Abstract
This paper introduces a design and optimization methodology for autonomous hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind/battery energy system. The main function of the proposed methodology is to determine the optimum size of each component of the energy system for the lowest cost of kWh generated and the best loss of load probability. This methodology uses the hourly wind speed, hourly radiation, and hourly load power with many different types of wind turbines and PV module types to get the optimum size of each component and the minimum cost of kWh generated at highest reliability. This methodology changes the share ratio of wind/PV with certain increments and calculates the required size of all components and the optimum battery size to get the predefined lowest acceptable probability. This methodology is implemented using a new computer program in flexible fashion which is not available in any market available software, such as HOMER or RETSCREEN software. Actual data for ten Saudi sites are used with this computer program. The results obtained from the proposed program are compared with HOMER software. The proposed computer program performed the optimal design steps in very short time and with accurate results. Very valuable results can be extracted from the new computer program that could help researchers and decision makers. The results obtained from the proposed computer program have established the economic feasibility of installing hybrid energy systems in many sites of Saudi Arabia. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.