Advanced optimization for sustainable energy management: A case study of microgrid design in Niamey, Niger using the transient search algorithm

In this study, we evaluated three renewable-based microgrid configurations designed to strengthen energy security and long-term sustainability. Configuration 1 integrates a photovoltaic (PV) array and wind turbines (WT) with a battery energy storage system (BESS). Configuration 2 replaces BESS with a hydrogen energy storage system (HESS), offering extended storage capacity and improved energy availability. Configuration 3 combines BESS and HESS, leveraging the advantages of short-term and long-term storage to create a more resilient energy system. The objective function was formulated to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) while optimizing energy generation, storage efficiency, and overall system reliability. A robust and efficient transient search algorithm (TSA) was employed to determine the optimal capacity of the microgrid configurations. A comprehensive cost analysis revealed that configuration 1 was the most cost-effective. However, incorporating HESS in configuration 2 resulted in a 41.3% increase in cost due to the investment required for electrolyzers, storage tanks, and fuel cells. Configuration 3, which integrates battery and hydrogen storage, incurred an additional 3.2% cost compared to configuration 2 and 45.8% compared to configuration 1. Despite the higher cost, this hybrid system enhances energy resilience by efficiently balancing short-term and long-term storage solutions.