Integration and performance analysis of optimal large-scale hybrid PV and pump hydro storage system based upon floating PV for practical application

The widespread use of green energy sources creates a significant demand for energy storage. Hybrid floating photovoltaic (FPV) and pumped hydro storage (PHS) represent one of the most dependable and cost-effective solutions, which uses the PV system on the water body combined with a pair of lakes with different heights. This study focuses on the load side as well as the PHS capacity factor and aims to lower the cost of energy (COE) by raising the PHS capacity factor. Since building a PHS requires a significant upfront investment, doing so will also lower the COE and enable the acquisition of PHS for large-scale power production, which will guarantee power access in large cities. To simulate the FPV-PHS system, the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is employed. Sufficient power management is a prerequisite for achieving system reliability in the best possible hybrid energy system design and implementation. Considering the 60-year system lifespan, the net present cost (NPC) analysis shows that, out of all the communities evaluated, the FPV-PHS system has the lowest NPC and COE. For the optimal configuration (FPV (Block A) 105 MW, PHS 80 MW, FPV (Block B) 357 MW, and the current hydropower plant), the expected NPC and energy costs for implementing the hybrid energy system (HRS) at the chosen location are $44,737,613 and $40/MWh, respectively. The existing FPV system spans 4.65 km² and lowers the evaporation fraction by 17,279,400 m³. The hybrid FPV-PHS system reduces annual CO₂ emissions by 581,830 tons. Our research reveals that a hybrid floating PV and pump storage hydropower system offers more steady clean electricity, implying a great significance for power grid infrastructure.