Optimized Dimensioning and Economic Assessment of Decentralized Hybrid Small Wind and Photovoltaic Power Systems for Residential Buildings

Abstract

In Germany, wind and photovoltaic (PV) systems dominate renewable electricity generation, with large wind turbines contributing 24.1% and PV systems contributing 10.6% in 2022. In contrast, electricity production from small wind turbines remains marginal (<0.01%). While currently only viable in high-wind locations, factors like rising electricity prices, cheaper battery storage, and increasing electrification could boost their future role. Within this work, a residential energy supply system consisting of a small wind turbine, PV system, heat pump, battery storage, and electric vehicle was dimensioned for different sites in Germany and Canada based on detailed simulation models and genetic algorithms in order to analyze the effect of bidirectional charging on optimal system dimensions and economic feasibility. This was carried out for various electricity pricing conditions. The results indicate that, with electricity purchase costs above 0.42 EUR/kWh, combined with a 25% reduction in small wind turbine and battery storage investment expenses, economic viability could be significantly enhanced. This might expand the applicability of small wind power to diverse sites.