Feasibility Studies of a Rural Microgrid Scenarios Using Artificial Bees Colony Algorithm

Abstract

India's position in renewable power generation is currently third in the world, which we intend to improve. However, it is essential for everyone to have affordable and reliable electricity. Designing a micro-grid system is one way to ensure it. This research work deals with the feasibility study of a rural micro-grid which includes both grid-connected systems and off-grid-connected systems to fulfil the load demand of twenty houses at two different locations. In grid-connected mode, PV-panels and wind turbines are used as an energy source, batteries are used as an energy storage element and grid connection is used as a backup supply. In contrast, for islanded mode diesel generator is used as a backup supply. The optimal sizing of different components is done keeping in mind the reliability and feasibility of the system. The number of wind turbines, kW rating of PV panels, and Autonomy days are optimized by Artificial Bee Colony (ABC). Also, a techno-economic analysis has been done by evaluating the cost of electricity as well as other factors including Renewable Factor (RF), Probability of Load Supply Loss (PLSL), and Net Energy Production Cost (NEPC). Furthermore, comparative analysis has been done for grid-connected mode as well as islanded mode.