The development of a hybrid microgrid system to improve the robustness of electrical services in Al Uyaynah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract: Several areas in Saudi Arabia are not connected to the country’s electrical grid because of the long distances between the locations and transmission lines. These areas are being energised by microgrids, which combine clean and sustainable energy sources (e.g. photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines (WTs)) with battery facilities. It has proved difficult to optimise and evaluate a microgrid’s capacity to supply electricity at an affordable price and with 100% power availability, since price, affordability, efficiency, and environmental problems all need to be addressed during the design. This research used a data-driven methodology to examine a proposed microgrid for an isolated area in Al Uyaynah (i.e. near the capital city of Saudi Arabia). Meteorological data was used to determine an optimal microgrid size to meet the load with 100% electricity availability, considering the battery storage system, WT and PV panel life-cycle constraints, and economic factors. The proposed load is 20 properties with an average consumption rate based on data derived from the literature review.