Design and Management of Hybrid Renewable Energy System using
RETscreen Software: A Case Study
FOUAD ZARO, NOOR ABU AYYASH
Electrical Engineering Department
Palestine Polytechnic University
Hebron City
PALESTINE
Abstract: - This research clarified a complete design for a renewable microgrid for Al-aroub technical college in
Palestine. It consists of various renewable energy systems, including the photovoltaic system, biogas as a primary
energy source, a fuel cell generator and a hydrogen storage unit, which can provide electricity to developing
economies. As the photoelectric generator and the methane generator provide sufficient electrical energy during
the day that covers the requirements of the different loads on the farm, while the excess energy is transferred to
the electrolyzer for hydrogen production and storage, and when the load needs more energy, the electric fuel cells
are turned on where the hydrogen is obtained from the energy storage unit. An energy management strategy was
also proposed in this study as the newly developed network control and management system, and Matlab was
chosen to undertake this task. Moreover, the RETscreen Expert software that enables to determine the optimum
size that meets the potential demand along with the most feasible economic values and guarantees the highest
system reliability. Therefore, three scenarios were proposed and tested, the first being the basic model which was
a solar system with traditional batteries, the second a solar system, biogas with batteries, and finally, solar energy,
biogas, and fuel cell with hydrogen energy storage unit. Technical analysis of the combined generation was also
performed using Power world simulator to obtain constant frequency and voltage (stability conditions). The
simulation results clearly show that the hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) consist of PV, bioenergy and
small-scale fuel cell generator is a more economical configuration than single renewable energy systems with
battery which has a total net cost of $ 473570, levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.157 $/kWh and the lowest
CO2 emission model that was 2.1 tons per year.
Key-Words: - Hybrid renewable energy system, Fuel cell generator, Photoelectric generator, Photovoltaic,
RETscreen software, Levelized cost of energy.
Received: November 23, 2022. Revised: August 22, 2023. Accepted: September 23, 2023. Published: October 16, 2023.
1 Introduction
There has been a growing interest in hybrid
microgrids in recent years, as evidenced by the
increasing number of research papers and
publications on the topic. A literature survey of
hybrid microgrids reveals that a number of different
technologies and approaches are being developed and
implemented around the world [1].
One of the key areas of research is the
optimization of hybrid microgrids. This includes the
development of new control algorithms and energy
management systems that can optimize the use of
energy resources and minimize costs. Another area of
research is the development of new technologies for
hybrid microgrids, such as energy storage devices
and smart inverters [2]-[3].
Hybrid microgrids offer a number of advantages
over traditional power systems, including increased
reliability, reduced emissions, increased efficiency,
and improved resilience. Hybrid microgrids can be
used in a wide range of applications, including rural
electrification, disaster relief, remote communities,
and commercial and industrial facilities [4]-[6].
Small hybrid microgrid systems (HMGS), which
are a promising answer to the supply of energy on the
one hand and cut costs on the other, are the result of
thinking about the supply of remote and isolated
locations located far from the main grid. These
microgrids are created as low- to medium-voltage
systems using a variety of parallel-connected
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
Fouad Zaro, Noor Abu Ayyash
E-ISSN: 2769-2507
164
Volume 5, 2023
resources that can produce power and meet demand.
A straightforward structural example of HMGS is
illustrated in Figures 1 [7]-[9].
Fig.1: A simple structural example of (HMGS).
While hybrid microgrids offer a number of
advantages, there are also some challenges that need
to be addressed, including: the initial cost of
installing a hybrid microgrid can be high. However,
the long-term savings on energy costs can offset the
initial investment, hybrid microgrids are complex
systems that require careful integration of different
energy sources and technologies, there is a lack of
skilled workers who have the expertise to design,
install, and operate hybrid microgrids [10]-[12].
There are a number of different methods that can
be used to size RESs for a microgrid. One common
method is to use a simulation software package, such
as HOMER or SAM. These software packages can be
used to model the performance of different microgrid
configurations and to optimize the sizing of the
RESs. Another method for sizing RESs is to use a
rule-of-thumb approach. One common rule-of-thumb
is to size the RESs to meet 100% of the peak load
demand. However, this rule-of-thumb may not be
appropriate for all microgrids. For example,
microgrids that are connected to the main power grid
may not need to size their RESs to meet 100% of the
peak load demand. The best approach for sizing
RESs for a microgrid is to use a combination of
simulation software and rule-of-thumb methods. This
will ensure that the microgrid is designed to meet the
specific needs of the community [13]-[16].
In this study, the hybrid renewable energy system
has been designed to meet Al-arroub technical
college's peak and average power demand, as well as
its energy demand. The system has been sized to
ensure that the college has a reliable and sustainable
source of electricity.
The proposed hybrid renewable energy system
would be beneficial for Al-arroub technical college
in a number of ways. The system would reduce the
college's reliance on the grid, save money on energy
costs, and improve the reliability of the college's
electricity supply. The system would also be a good
example of renewable energy technology for the
college's students and faculty.
Three different scenarios have been presented for
the case study: the baseline scenario, a PV system
with battery energy storage; the second scenario
based on the availability of renewable energy sources
(solar PV, bioenergy, battery storage); and the third
scenario using a combination of technologies (solar,
bioenergy, and fuel cell with ESS).
2 Problem Formulation
Al-arroub technical college is located in Hebron city
in Palestine. The geographical coordinates of it are
31°6′N 35°13′E, at an elevation of 930 meters above
sea level. The annual average solar radiation is
calculated as of 5.94 kWh/m2/day. The average solar
radiation for the college is shown in Figure 2 as well
as the wind speed at the college site is shown in
Figure 3.
Fig. 2: Monthly average solar radiation with daily
average radiation.
Fig. 3: Monthly wind speed with air
temperature
The best tilt angle for PV system installation is
about 30o as shown in Figure 4.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
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Volume 5, 2023
Fig. 4: The PV plane tilt angle and orientation.
The bioenergy system design depends on many
factors, the predicted manure and amount, the needed
power production, and finally the max capacitive of
the line. Beside that the available manures in the area.
The design of the proposed system has included two
digesters; one as main digester and the other as post
digesters as shown in Figure 5. The gas engines with
the capacity of 6kW for each one. Combined heat and
power (CHP) type has used in this study.
Fig. 5: The proposed design of digesters
3 Power Management Strategy
For control side, power management strategy has
built and satisfied the following conditions:
If Pnet >Pload, then the electrolyzer will work and use
this energy to get hydrogen and store it.
If Pnet <Pload, then FC will work and use hydrogen
from energy storage.
The base RE sources will be solar system and
biogas generator, at on peak time of the demand, fuel
cell will work. power management strategy is shown
in Figure 6.
Fig. 6: The proposed power management strategy.
Where:
Pnet = Ppv + Pmethan
Pele: power for electrolyzer
Pfc: Fuel Cell Power
Pcomp: compression system power.
4 Results and Discussions
In this study, three scenarios are considered; the first
scenario: (Base model), solar PV System with battery
energy storage, the second scenario: solar PV,
bioenergy, battery storage, and the third
scenario: solar PV, bioenergy, fuel cell with
ESS.
4.1 Scenario 1: Base model, PV System with
batteries energy storage
In this scenario, solar PV with battery energy storage
(off grid system) has been proposed to cover all load
requirements without need of Israel Electric
Corporation (IEC) company. The net present value
(NPV) is 0.371859M$ and that good indicator that
this model is good but not enough. So, the other
factor LCOE is 0.7 $ /kWh and this value had been
assumed as high cost that’s due using battery storage
system about 25% of demand. Also, the environment
sense has been mentioned in this study. The carbon
dioxide emission was the other indicator, it is 117.5
ton/year and that because using battery as energy
storage system. The Figure 7 shows the results of
optimization for each hour a long year (i.e., 8760
hour) as well as the output of the PV for all hours
during the year.
International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
Fouad Zaro, Noor Abu Ayyash
E-ISSN: 2769-2507
166
Volume 5, 2023
Fig. 7: Output energy of the PV and battery for a
year
The proposed solar system with a capacity of 188
kWp able to generate 207,000 kWh/y; that can cover
75% of the energy demand and the battery covered
the rest. The cost configurations are divided into four
sections, capital costs, replacement costs, operating
cost, and salvage over 25 years. Figure 8 shows the
cost components for this model. Whereas Figure 9
and Figure 10 show the net and cumulative cash flow
of the PV system with battery, respectively.
Fig. 8: The cost components for scenario 1.
Fig. 9: Cash flow for scenario 1.
Fig. 10: Cumulative cash flow for scenario 1
4.2 Scenario 2: solar PV, bioenergy, batteries
storage
In this scenario, solar PV with bioenergy system and
batteries for energy storage have been proposed. The
results show the NPV is -0. 403796M$ and this value
is a bad indicator, thus this model not good for the
investment. The Figure 11 presents the output of the
PV, biogas and battery for all hours during the year.
Fig. 11: Output of the PV, biogas and battery
for a year.
The Cost configurations are divided into four
sections, capital costs, replacement costs, operating
cost, and salvage over 25 years. Figure 12 which
represents the cost components for this model.
Figures 13 and 14 show the net and cumulative cash
flow of the PV-bio system with battery, respectively.
0
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DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
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E-ISSN: 2769-2507
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Volume 5, 2023
Fig. 12: The cost components for scenario 2
Fig. 13: The cash flow for scenario 2
Fig. 14: Cumulative cash flow for scenario 2
4.3 scenario 3: solar PV, bioenergy, and fuel
cell with ESS 10kW
In this scenario, the solar PV with bioenergy system
and fuel cell energy storage units have been used. The
results of this scenario show that; The NPV is $
473570 which is a good indicator for a good
investment. The average load consumption and
embedded generation is illustrated in Figure 15, so
when the load is more than embedded generation the
fuel cells work and generate electricity at on peak
time as stand by generator. On the other hand, when
the embedded generation is more than load
electrolyzer uses this exceed energy to analysis water
and store hydrogen as fuels for fuel cells.
Fig. 15: The average load consumption and
embedded generation
Solar system with a capacity of 188 kWp able to
generate 207,000 kWh/y; an output that can cover
75% of demand and the FC with biogas generator
covered the rest. The cost configurations are divided
into four sections, capital costs, replacement costs,
operating cost, and salvage over 25 years. Figure 16
which represents the cost components for this model.
Bioenergy generator had replacement cost about
4330$ each 5 years and fuel cells every 15 years with
salvage value that make FC with hydrogen storage
system better than traditional battery. Figures 17 and
18 show the net and cumulative cash flow of the PV-
bio system with FC and ESS, respectively.
Fig. 16: The cost components for scenario 3
Fig. 17: The cash flow for scenario 3
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DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
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Volume 5, 2023
Fig. 18: The cumulative cash flow for scenario 3
4 Conclusion
In this study, a hybrid renewable energy system has
been designed to supply electricity for Al-aroub
technical college in Hebron city in Palestine. The
power management strategy and optimization models
have been introduced. Photovoltaic (PV) and
methane power system have a higher capability to
deliver continuous power with reduced energy
storage so the results is better utilization factor of
control equipment and power conversion than single
sources. Power load management in microgrid PV-
methane generation systems have been proposed in
this study. the proposed system could be work on grid
system or off-grid system. The system uses hybrid
renewable sources biogas and solar energy with FC
and ESS.
Three different scenarios have been studied in this
work using RETScreen expert; the first scenario base
model, PV System with battery energy storage, the
second scenario depending on RE sources model;
solar PV, bioenergy, battery storage, and in the third
scenario has used solar, bioenergy, fuel cell with
ESS. The most suitable scenario is the third one
according to the result with ratios 75% solar and 25
%bioenergy with fuel cell and ESS. LCOE of
0.157$/kWh with the payback of investment during
about 5 years.
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Contribution of Individual Authors to the
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Policy)
The authors equally contributed in the present
research, at all stages from the formulation of the
problem to the final findings and solution.
Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a
Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself
No funding was received for conducting this study.
Conflict of Interest
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare
that are relevant to the content of this article.
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International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
DOI: 10.37394/232027.2023.5.17
Fouad Zaro, Noor Abu Ayyash
E-ISSN: 2769-2507
170
Volume 5, 2023