Dynamic modelling, energy, exergy and levelized cost analysis of solar and wind powered hybrid stand alone energy systems with battery and hydrogen storage

Hybrid energy systems operate with more than one energy source. Energy reliability and levelized cost of energy are two concerns to consider in these systems. In this study, stand-alone, hybrid energy systems were modelled dynamically with using real meteorological data. For electricity production, different energy producers such as wind turbines, diesel generators, photovoltaic panels, and fuel cells were modelled in hybrid configurations. In addition, different energy storage alternatives such as hydrogen and batteries were modelled. The CO2 emissions and the LCOE were calculated, and the best system configurations were decided based on these values. Energy and exergy efficiency of each component was calculated. Between all locations a PV array, wind turbine, fuel cell, electrolyzer and diesel generator system was recommended for Konya and Istanbul, and a PV array, fuel cell, electrolyzer and diesel generator system was recommended for Mugla and Trabzon. The results showed that the hybridization of the system increases the energy reliability and thus the system can safely meet the load with minimum idle energy. Hydrogen and battery storage alternatives were compared technically and economically. It has been observed that hydrogen can store generated energy for longer periods due to its high energy density, therefore, the annual diesel fuel consumption and dumped energy are lower than that of battery storage. Global energy need is increasing. With this study, it has been emphasized that hybrid energy systems can provide significant benefits in terms of environmental concerns and economic feasibility, due to their high energy efficiencies, low fuel consumption.