Techno-Economic Optimization of an Off-Grid Hybrid Solar–Diesel–Battery Energy System Using Genetic Algorithm for Institutional Electrification

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Chinese explanation / 中文解读

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Original abstract

Purpose: This study presents a techno-economic optimization of an off-grid Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) comprising Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Diesel Generator (DG) for institutional electrification. The objective is to develop a reliability-constrained Genetic Algorithm (GA) model that minimizes the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) while satisfying Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) constraints for sustainable and cost-effective electricity supply. Methodology: A mathematical optimization framework was developed for the hybrid PV–Battery–DG system using a Genetic Algorithm to determine the optimal sizing of system components under technical, operational, and reliability constraints. Four system configurations were evaluated, namely the GA-optimized PV–Battery–DG system, PV–Battery-only system, Diesel Generator-only system, and HOMER-optimized hybrid system. Simulations were implemented in MATLAB/Simulink, and the systems were assessed using techno-economic and environmental performance indicators including LCOE, Net Present Cost (NPC), LPSP, and CO₂ emissions. Findings: The GA-optimized hybrid configuration achieved the best overall performance with an LCOE of $0.506/kWh, zero unmet load (LPSP = 0), and substantially lower CO₂ emissions than the diesel-only system. Although the PV–Battery-only configuration eliminated fuel consumption and emissions, it required significantly higher capital investment and exhibited slight load loss due to the absence of dispatchable backup. The diesel-only system provided high reliability but incurred the highest lifecycle cost and carbon emissions. The HOMER-optimized hybrid system confirmed the technical feasibility of hybridization but produced a higher energy cost than the proposed GA-based solution. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends the adoption of GA-based hybrid PV–Battery–DG energy systems for institutional off-grid electrification because they provide an optimal balance between economic viability, supply reliability, and environmental sustainability. Future studies should investigate multi-objective optimization techniques and incorporate demand-side management and other renewable energy resources to further improve system performance.

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