Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Energy System for Emergency Off-grid Operating Conditions

Taking the advantages of alternative energy sources is currently a trending concept in the field of energy management. Meanwhile, microgrids and hybrid energy systems are of great importance due to their numerous benefits for both consumers and utility. This paper presents technical feasibility study of a hybrid energy system, including renewable and non-renewable resources and energy storage system, for electrification of a Disaster Management Basement located in Tehran, Iran. To simulate the potential power blackout caused by a disaster, the proposed system is simulated and optimized in off-grid mode, using HOMER simulation software. Since the disaster occurrence is unpredictable, while the system is simulated in a whole year, the results are analyzed in two winter and summer cases. Regarding reliability of the system, a sensitivity analysis is carried out. It was found that with diesel prices up to 0.5-0.6 $/L, the only optimal power system is diesel generator. With prices more than this, wind and solar power sources should be added to the power system. As the main result of the paper, it was found that renewables can act as good backup power systems in cases of shortages in conventional energy resources to ensure high reliability of the system.