Particle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm-Based Renewable Energy Source Management for Industrial Applications: An Oil Refinery Case Study

Nelisiwe O. Mathebula (), Bonginkosi A. Thango and Daniel E. Okojie
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Nelisiwe O. Mathebula: Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
Bonginkosi A. Thango: Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
Daniel E. Okojie: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos 105101, Nigeria

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-22

Abstract: Motivated by South Africa’s need for the transition to a net-zero economy, this study investigates the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into oil refineries, considering the unique challenges and opportunities therein. The research focuses on optimising RES allocation using particle swarm optimisation (PSO), a data-driven approach that adapts to real-time operational conditions. Traditional energy management systems often struggle with the inherent variability of RESs, leading to suboptimal energy distribution and increased emissions. Therefore, this study proposes a PSO-based renewable energy allocation strategy specifically designed for oil refineries. It considers factors like the levelised cost of energy, geographical location, and available technology. The methodology involves formulating the optimisation problem, developing a PSO model, and implementing it in a simulated oil refinery environment. The results demonstrate significant convergence of the PSO algorithm, leading to an optimal configuration for integrating RESs and achieving cost reductions and sustainability goals. The optimisation result of ZAR 4,457,527.00 achieved through iterations is much better than the result of ZAR 4,829,638.88 acquired using linear programming as the baseline model. The mean cost, indicating consistent performance, has remained at its original value of ZAR 4,457,527.00, highlighting the convergence. The key findings include the average distance measurement decreasing from 4.2 to 3.4, indicating particle convergence; the swarm diameter decreasing from 4.7 to 3.8, showing swarm concentration on promising solutions; the average velocity decreasing from 7.8 to 4.25, demonstrating refined particle movement; and the optimum cost function achieved at ZAR 4,457,527 with zero standard deviation, highlighting stability and optimal solution identification. This research offers a valuable solution for oil refineries seeking to integrate RESs effectively, contributing to South Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Keywords: energy management; oil refineries; particle swarm optimisation; renewable energy; sustainability; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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