Optimal design of an off-grid electrical system in remote areas with different renewable energy scenarios

Mariem Smaoui, Mouna Rekik and Lotfi Krichen

Energy, 2025, vol. 318, issue C

Abstract: Hybrid energy systems based on solar and wind power have gained global attention as viable solutions for remote areas where extending the electricity grid is impractical. This article examines and compares all possible renewable energy design scenarios to identify the optimal solution for electrifying an off-grid village. The studied scenarios include photovoltaic (PV)-Battery, Wind-Battery, PV-Wind-Battery, PV-Diesel generator (DG)-Battery, Wind-DG-Battery, and PV-Wind-DG-Battery. The optimal configuration for each scenario is determined using a multi-objective optimization approach, considering the total net present cost (NPC), battery state limits, and renewable fraction (RF). An epsilon constraint method is employed to solve the optimization problem. A comparison between the optimal solutions of the different scenarios is performed according to the technical, economic, and environmental contexts in order to choose the optimal configuration. A case study is conducted for a remote village in the state of Bizerte, Tunisia. The results indicate that the optimal scenario consists of a combination of 52 photovoltaic panels and 23 batteries, meeting an annual energy demand of 18,260 kWh/year. This configuration achieves the lowest NPC of $50,161.7, zero CO2 emissions, and a 100 % RF, making it the most environmentally friendly and economically efficient option.

Keywords: Hybrid renewable energy system; Off-grid; Design scenarios; Multi-objective optimization; Optimal configuration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:318:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225004633

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134821

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