Introducing newly developed Nomadic People Optimizer (NPO) algorithm to find optimal sizing of a hybrid renewable energy

Abstract

In this work, the main objective the provision of electric supply to a residential complex located in a remote area in Iraq (Thi -Qar) that has no access to electricity grid. This study relied on the Nomadic People Optimizer (NPO) for the Multi-objective design of a grid independent PV/Wind/Battery hybrid energy system. The hybrid systems considered in this study consist of a photovoltaic array, wind turbine, and battery storage. The hybrid system optimized the electricity supply of a residential complex with 30 houses in Thi- Qar which is located in southern Iraq on latitude 31.060 and longitude 46.260. The major purpose of this optimization is to find optimal sizing of renewable energy with battery storage to minimizing Total Life Cycle Cost (TLCC), this is an economic aspect, which in turn reduces the cost of energy (COE), Second objective is minimizing Total Dump Energy (TDE) with continuous provide the load by electricity (Reliability as constrained) through life cycle of project for a 25 years. The data used in this study, such as solar radiation, wind speed, and temperature was collected from weather forecast in Thi- Qar for every hour over the course of a full year; the electrical demand was collected from Thi- Qar Electricity Distribution Directorate for the same housing complex and the same number of houses in an area equipped with electricity. Also, the prices of the system components, cost of maintenance, and cost of fuel were collected from Thi- Qar Iraq market.