Abstract
In this paper, the utility grid is integrated with hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind/fuel cells to overcome the unavailability of the grid and the single implementation of renewable energy. The main purpose of this study is smart management of hydrogen storage tanks and power exchange between the hybrid renewable energy and the grid to minimize the total cost of the hybrid system and load uncertainties. PV and wind act as the main renewable energy sources, whereas fuel cells act as auxiliary sources designed to compensate for power variations and to ensure continuous power flow to the load. The grid is considered a backup system that works when hybrid renewable energy and fuel cells are unavailable. In this study, the optimal size of the components of the hybrid energy system is introduced using two methods: the marine predators' algorithm (MPA) and the seagull optimization algorithm (SOA). The optimal sizing problem is also run accounting for the uncertainty in load demand. The results obtained from the proposed optimization are given with and without uncertainty in load demand. The simulation results of the hybrid system without uncertainty demonstrate the superiority of the MPA compared with SOA. However, in the case of load uncertainty, the simulation results (the uncertainty) are given using the MPA optimization technique with +5%, +10%, and +15% uncertainty in load, which showed that the net present cost and purchase energy are increased with uncertainty.