Optimizing a hybrid off-grid photovoltaic/wind/fuel cell energy system using mantis search algorithm

AL Dawsari, Saleh Awadh, Anayi, Fatih ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8408-7673 and Packianather, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9436-8206 2025. Optimizing a hybrid off-grid photovoltaic/wind/fuel cell energy system using mantis search algorithm. Energy Conversion and Management: X 27 , 101209. 10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101209

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Abstract

The rising global demand for environmentally friendly energy sources calls for the development of effective hybrid renewable power plants. This work addresses the design and operation optimization of an off-grid PV/Wind/Fuel cell system to meet energy needs in the Najran area of Saudi Arabia, with plenty of renewable resources. The mantis search algorithm (MSA) can effectively lower the cost of energy (COE) while preserving system dependability considering its superior convergence characteristics based on the foraging and mating activities of praying mantises. Using the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) as the reliability metric, the MSA algorithm was applied on two system configurations to optimizing the capacities of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and hydrogen tanks. The analysis of the cost of energy (COE) and loss of power supply probability (LPSP) for the PV/Wind/FC and PV/FC configurations, based on four cases each with various objective functions, shows that the PV/Wind/FC system generally provides a lower COE and LPSP compared to the PV/FC system. For the PV/Wind/FC system, COE ranges from 0.161154 US$/kWh to 0.237477 US$/kWh, and LPSP ranges from 0.022517 % to 0.057322 %. In contrast, the PV/FC system shows higher COE values, ranging from 0.380493 US$/kWh to 0.500352 US$/kWh, with LPSP values ranging from 0.036985 % to 0.099117 %. Moreover, Statistical analysis of results from various system configurations confirms the accuracy and stability of the MSA algorithm. The findings demonstrate that MSA effectively achieves optimal system design while ensuring acceptable energy fluctuation and efficient use of renewable resources. The Break-Even Grid Extension Distance (BED) analysis for the PV/Wind/FC and PV/FC configurations shows that the PV/Wind/FC system is more cost-effective for off-grid solutions over shorter distances, with the PV/FC system providing a more favorable option for longer distances, where the break-even distance for the PV/Wind/FC system ranges from 18.21 km to 143.66 km and for the PV/FC system from 376.41 km to 572.14 km.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2590-1745
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	26 August 2025
Date of Acceptance:	15 August 2025
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2025 11:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180646

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