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Optimizing Renewable Energy Integration through Innovative Hybrid Microgrid Design: A Case Study of Najran Secondary Industrial Institute in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Mana Abusaq

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA)

  • Mohamed A. Zohdy

    (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA)

Abstract

Amidst a growing global focus on sustainable energy, this study investigates the underutilization of renewable resources in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, with a specific emphasis on the Najran Secondary Industrial Institute (NSII). This research presents an in-depth analysis of installing a hybrid microgrid (MG) system on the roofs of NSII buildings, exploring six cases with varying tilt and azimuth angles. The study innovatively integrates architectural design and system administration, a novel approach for this location, and benchmarks the optimal angles against Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software defaults. The proposed system consists of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, a battery storage system (BSS), a converter, a diesel generator (DG), and a grid. The selected model balances technological and economic viability with environmental considerations, ensuring a reliable power supply within the NSII’s roof area constraints. An extensive sensitivity analysis evaluates the system’s resilience across different scenarios. The current system, which is grid-only, has an estimated Net Present Cost (NPC) of about USD 7.02M and emits 1.81M kg/yr of CO 2 . The findings point to installing a microgrid with a 20.97° tilt and 50° azimuth angle as optimal, demonstrating 54.69% lower NPC and 92% lower CO 2 emissions, along with zero kWh/year unmet electrical load when applying the resilience assessments. This outcome highlights Saudi Arabia’s southern region’s renewable energy potential, aligning with national mega-projects and energy initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Mana Abusaq & Mohamed A. Zohdy, 2024. "Optimizing Renewable Energy Integration through Innovative Hybrid Microgrid Design: A Case Study of Najran Secondary Industrial Institute in Saudi Arabia," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:6:y:2024:i:2:p:20-417:d:1363439
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Adeola Akinpelu & Md Shafiul Alam & Md Shafiullah & Syed Masiur Rahman & Fahad Saleh Al-Ismail, 2023. "Greenhouse Gas Emission Dynamics of Saudi Arabia: Potential of Hydrogen Fuel for Emission Footprint Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Li, Jinze & Liu, Pei & Li, Zheng, 2020. "Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of a solar-wind-biomass off-grid hybrid power system for remote rural electrification: A case study of west China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    3. Edrees Yahya Alhawsawi & Hanan Mikhael D. Habbi & Mansour Hawsawi & Mohamed A. Zohdy, 2023. "Optimal Design and Operation of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Oakland University," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-26, August.
    4. Ali M. Eltamaly & Mohamed A. Mohamed, 2014. "A Novel Design and Optimization Software for Autonomous PV/Wind/Battery Hybrid Power Systems," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2014, pages 1-16, August.
    5. Luta, Doudou N. & Raji, Atanda K., 2019. "Optimal sizing of hybrid fuel cell-supercapacitor storage system for off-grid renewable applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 530-540.
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    1. Roksana Yasmin & Md. Nurun Nabi & Fazlur Rashid & Md. Alamgir Hossain, 2025. "Solar, Wind, Hydrogen, and Bioenergy-Based Hybrid System for Off-Grid Remote Locations: Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-32, April.

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