Sizing of a stand-alone hybrid system supplying a desalination unit

Economic and environmental concerns over fossil fuels encourage the development of renewable energy. But to allow the penetration of intermittent energy sources, optimal sizing of hybrid renewable energy systems is quite necessary. This paper presents an optimal sizing algorithm which estimates the sizes of different components of hybrid photovoltaic/wind power generation system supplying a desalination unit. The optimal combination of the hybrid system is selected according to its technical and economic profitability. A case study is conducted to analyze a hybrid project, which is designed to supply a desalination unit feeding the Kerkennah islands (Tunisia) with fresh water.