This paper presents a procedure to evaluate the
optimal element sizing of hybrid power systems. In order to
generalize the problem, this work is based on the “energy
hub” concept and formulation previously presented in the
literature. The resulting optimization minimizes an objective
function based on costs and efficiencies of the system elements,
while taking into account the hub model, energy and power
constraints and estimated operational conditions, such as energy
prices, input power flow availability and output energy demand.
The resulting optimal architecture also constitutes a framework
for further real–time control designs.
Also, an example of a hybrid storage system is considered.
In particular, the architecture of a hybrid plant incorporating
a wind generator, batteries and intermediate hydrogen storage
is optimized, based on real wind data and averaged residential
demands. The hydrogen system integrates an electrolyzer, a
fuel cell stack and hydrogen tanks. The resulting optimal cost
of such hybrid power plant is compared with the equivalent
hydrogen–only and battery–only systems, showing improvements
in investment costs of almost 30% in the worst case
