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Design Analysis of an Optimal Microgrid System for the Integration of Renewable Energy Sources at a University Campus

Author

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  • Abdulrahman AlKassem

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia)

  • Azeddine Draou

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia)

  • Abdullah Alamri

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia)

  • Hisham Alharbi

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Taif University, Taif 21974, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) is a strategic goal in Saudi Arabia. The energy source diversification plan comprises the penetration of various technologies, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy. In this research, an optimal microgrid system design is proposed and analyzed at the Islamic University of Madinah. The research intends to facilitate the decision-making process in the incorporation of RESs in Saudi universities. A pilot project has been established at the Faculty of Engineering and the measured load profile has been incorporated. Three alternatives are investigated, and their technical and economic performance is determined (i.e., PV system, wind system, and hybrid system). To enhance the accuracy of the simulated models, on-the-ground weather data have been utilized to formulate a typical meteorological year profile. The results demonstrate that a PV system of 1.5 MW installed capacity can cover up to 3.03% of the university’s annual electrical consumption, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.051 USD/kWh. The PV alternative can generate annual energy of 2.68 GWh with a capacity factor of 20.2% and a simple payback period of 18.6 years. The wind energy system has a capacity factor of 1.1 MW and yields a higher ratio of energy production to installed capacity, owing to a higher capacity factor at 29.5%, and annual energy of 2.71 GWh. However, due to the higher initial cost and insufficiency of wind resources at the proposed location, this wind energy alternative results in higher LCOE at 0.064 USD/kWh and a simple payback period of 23.6 years. The hybrid alternative facilitates the integration of diverse RESs. It has a capacity factor of 1.37 MW, leading to an annual generation of 3.27 GWh and a renewable fraction of 3.7%. The LCOE of the hybrid option is determined to be 0.061 USD/kWh and the simple payback period at 20.7 years. All alternatives help in the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), and nitric oxide (NO x ) between 0.11 million kg and 54.6 million kg annually. Each of the systems can provide opportunities at the technical, economic, and environmental levels. The implications of this research facilitate Saudi universities in supporting the integration of RESs, considering the strategic goals of Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulrahman AlKassem & Azeddine Draou & Abdullah Alamri & Hisham Alharbi, 2022. "Design Analysis of an Optimal Microgrid System for the Integration of Renewable Energy Sources at a University Campus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:7:p:4175-:d:784430
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Muhammad Aqil Afham Rahmat & Ag Sufiyan Abd Hamid & Yuanshen Lu & Muhammad Amir Aziat Ishak & Shaikh Zishan Suheel & Ahmad Fazlizan & Adnan Ibrahim, 2022. "An Analysis of Renewable Energy Technology Integration Investments in Malaysia Using HOMER Pro," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-24, October.
    3. Shibo Li & Hu Zhou & Genzhu Xu, 2023. "Research on Optimal Configuration of Landscape Storage in Public Buildings Based on Improved NSGA-II," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-29, January.
    4. Sultan J. Alharbi & Abdulaziz S. Alaboodi, 2023. "A Review on Techno-Economic Study for Supporting Building with PV-Grid-Connected Systems under Saudi Regulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, February.
    5. Oumaima Ait Omar & Oumaima Choukai & Wilian Guamán & Hassan El Fadil & Ahmed Ait Errouhi & Kaoutar Ait Chaoui, 2025. "Comparative Analysis of PV and Hybrid PV–Wind Supply for a Smart Building with Water-Purification Station in Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-27, September.
    6. Lazaroiu, Alexandra Catalina & Panait, Cornel & Serițan, George & Popescu, Claudia Laurenta & Roscia, Mariacristina, 2024. "Maximizing renewable energy and storage integration in university campuses," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    7. Aqib Khan & Mathieu Bressel & Arnaud Davigny & Dhaker Abbes & Belkacem Ould Bouamama, 2025. "Comprehensive Review of Hybrid Energy Systems: Challenges, Applications, and Optimization Strategies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-34, May.
    8. 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.
    9. Mohammed Abdullah H. Alshehri & Youguang Guo & Gang Lei, 2023. "Renewable-Energy-Based Microgrid Design and Feasibility Analysis for King Saud University Campus, Riyadh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-24, July.

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