Optimal hybrid renewable-based distributed generation system with feed-in tariffs and ranking technique

Renewable-based distributed generation (DG) systems present tremendous benefits when operated in an optimal manner. The benefits include among others, reduced transmission losses, increase in renewable energy penetration (REP), reduced emission levels. The purpose of this research is to determine the optimal hybrid renewable-based DG system with feed-in tariffs. We compared grid-connected wind/hydro/diesel with storage, grid-connected wind/hydro/PV with storage, grid-connected hydro/PV with storage and grid-only systems. A new transmission capacity burden index has been introduced to indicate the extent at which the transmission line is loaded in the DG environment. HOMER software has been employed as the optimization tool. An optimality ranking technique has been used as a second method to determine the best optimal hybrid DG system. Results indicate that a purely renewable based DG system is the best optimal system. Such systems are very paramount to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) whose energy supply is dominated by fossil fuels. If such systems are implemented, KSA can contribute to the world's call to reduce greenhouse gasses in addition to reducing dependence on nonrenewable resources.