Optimal Configuration and Sizing of Integrated Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Power Supply in Healthcare Buildings
Saleh Ba-swaimi, Renuga Verayiah, Vigna K. Ramachandaramurthy, Ahmad K. ALAhmad, Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban
Abstract
• PV/BES/Genset reduces costs by 76.81% with 95.2% renewable fraction in standalone systems. • In continuous grid connection systems, PV/BES/Grid has lowest LCOE ($0.0879/kWh). • Battery energy storage, while essential for renewable integration, accounts for around 50% of system costs. • Grid-connected systems outperform standalone configurations economically. Due to rising energy demands in healthcare facilities, reliable and sustainable power supplies are essential. This study examines Integrated Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (IHRES) to address these needs. Using HOMER Pro, the study evaluated the performance of IHRES by examining economic, environmental, and technical aspects across three scenarios of grid connectivity: standalone, grid-connected with load shedding, and continuously grid-connected systems. Each scenario included four configurations that integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind turbines (WT), battery energy storage (BES), diesel generators (Genset), and grid integration in various arrangements. The analysis indicated that the standalone configuration of PV/BES/Genset offered optimal performance, reducing the net present cost (NPC) by 76.81% compared to conventional generator-only systems while achieving a renewable energy fraction (REF) of 95.2%. In grid-connected scenarios with load shedding, the PV/BES/Genset/Grid configuration achieved a further 12.29% reduction in NPC compared to the optimal standalone setup, resulting in a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.0911/kWh. For continuously grid-connected systems, the PV/BES/Grid configuration provided the lowest LCOE at $0.0879/kWh, representing a 6.10% NPC reduction relative to the optimal load-shedding scenario, with a REF of 91.2%. Overall, the grid-connected configurations demonstrated superior economic performance, highlighting the advantages of grid integration where it is possible. These findings offer practical insights and evidence-based recommendations for energy planning in healthcare facilities, especially in regions with unreliable grid access.