Optimization and techno-economic assessment of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems in remote regions

Al Dawsari, Saleh 2025. Optimization and techno-economic assessment of off-grid hybrid renewable energy systems in remote regions. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

	PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 5 May 2027 due to copyright restrictions. Download (4MB)
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (116kB)

Abstract

The global shift toward renewable energy sources (RES) is critical for addressing energy crises, particularly in remote and off-grid regions. However, the intermittent nature of RES necessitates hybrid configurations with energy storage and backup systems to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness. This thesis explores the optimal design and performance evaluation of HRES using advanced metaheuristic optimization techniques, with focused applications in Saudi Arabia's energy transition. Remote communities worldwide face significant energy challenges due to their reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators, with these issues being particularly pronounced in Saudi Arabia due to its geographic and climatic conditions. With abundant solar and wind resources available, hybrid renewable energy systems present a promising solution that aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources, although their full realization remains subject to technical, economic, and grid integration challenges. This research addresses the critical challenge of designing systems that balance cost-effectiveness with reliable power supply for off-grid areas. Four integrated studies form the core of this investigation. First, the Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMOA) demonstrates how PV-battery-diesel systems can achieve energy costs of $0.199/kWh while maintaining near-perfect reliability. The Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) is calculated below 10⁻⁸ %, which corresponds to a reliability of practically 100 %, indicating almost no unmet load. Second, the Mantis Search Algorithm (MSA) shows that PV-wind-fuel cell configurations can reduce costs further to $0.161/kWh with 99.98 % reliability, highlighting the potential of hydrogen storage for dependable energy supply. The third study presents a hybrid renewable energy system (RES) configuration, combining solar PV, wind turbine, electrolyzer, fuel cell, battery storage, and diesel generator backup. Optimized using MSA, this system reduces wasted energy by 37 % while ensuring reliable power supply and effective energy management. Finally, a large-scale case study in Sharurah, Saudi Arabia, demonstrates the feasibility of achieving near-complete renewable penetration with an optimized off-grid PV (5.8 MW) and wind (3.2 MW) system, supported by battery storage and a diesel generator backup. This configuration minimizes diesel use while reducing annual CO₂ emissions by 1,200 tons.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1. Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems. 2. Off-Grid Microgrids, Metaheuristic Optimization. 3. Techno-Economic Analysis. 4. Saudi Vision 2030. 5. Energy storage systems. 6. Reliability Assessment.
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 May 2026
Last Modified:	05 May 2026 10:28
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186673

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item