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

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  • Smaoui, Mariem
  • Rekik, Mouna
  • Krichen, Lotfi

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Smaoui, Mariem & Rekik, Mouna & Krichen, Lotfi, 2025. "Optimal design of an off-grid electrical system in remote areas with different renewable energy scenarios," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:318:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225004633
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134821
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Javed, Muhammad Shahzad & Ma, Tao & Jurasz, Jakub & Canales, Fausto A. & Lin, Shaoquan & Ahmed, Salman & Zhang, Yijie, 2021. "Economic analysis and optimization of a renewable energy based power supply system with different energy storages for a remote island," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 1376-1394.
    2. Eriksson, E.L.V. & Gray, E.MacA., 2019. "Optimization of renewable hybrid energy systems – A multi-objective approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 971-999.
    3. Ullah, Zia & Elkadeem, M.R. & Kotb, Kotb M. & Taha, Ibrahim B.M. & Wang, Shaorong, 2021. "Multi-criteria decision-making model for optimal planning of on/off grid hybrid solar, wind, hydro, biomass clean electricity supply," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 885-910.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gao, Xiang & Lin, Hua & Jing, Dengwei & Zhang, Xiongwen, 2025. "A novel framework for optimal design of solar-powered integrated energy system considering long timescale characteristics," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).

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