International Journal of Green Energy

ISSN: 1543-5075 (Print) 1543-5083 (Online) Journal homepage: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ljge20

A New Study for Hybrid PV/Wind off-Grid Power

Generation Systems with the Comparison of
Results from Homer

Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Abdullah Al-Sharafi, Mohamed A. Habib & Iyad

Alzaharnah

To cite this article: Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Abdullah Al-Sharafi, Mohamed A. Habib & Iyad
Alzaharnah (2015) A New Study for Hybrid PV/Wind off-Grid Power Generation Systems with the
Comparison of Results from Homer, International Journal of Green Energy, 12:5, 526-542, DOI:
10.1080/15435075.2013.833929

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International Journal of Green Energy (2015) 12, 526–542
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 1543-5075 print / 1543-5083 online
DOI: 10.1080/15435075.2013.833929

A New Study for Hybrid PV/Wind off-Grid Power Generation

Systems with the Comparison of Results from Homer

ESMAIL M. A. MOKHEIMER, ABDULLAH AL-SHARAFI,

MOHAMED A. HABIB, and IYAD ALZAHARNAH
Department of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

This article presents the development of a computational model for the sizing optimization of an off-grid hybrid solar wind electric power
generation system. The model includes a PV model, wind power model, and a model for the required battery. The developed mathematical
model also comprises a model for a diesel generator as an alternative for the storage battery. A simulation code has been developed using
MATLAB to solve the mathematical model and simulate the performance of the hybrid system with different configuration for performance
analysis and optimal sizing purpose. The mathematical model and the computer code have been developed using a general approach. This
approach can be used to simulate, analyze and optimize any hybrid solar/wind/battery/diesel off-grid electric power generation systems.
Also, it can be utilized for any remote area in the world depending on the weather data used as input to the developed simulation code.
The results obtained via the presently developed model and code have been validated against previously published work and also against
that obtained via the widely used software (HOMER). The model is used for the sizing optimization and assessment of a hybrid solar wind
system based on the weather conditions for Dhahran city in the eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Hybrid, Wind, Solar, Energy, Modeling, Off-grid

Introduction wind energy to effectively operate a wind energy system, the

Converting solar energy into electric energy using PV is one
of the most attracting methods to utilize solar energy in large
scale. However, PV modules produce DC current, which has to
be converted to AC current to be used in most of the modern day
appliances. This is an additional cost which increases the per per-
son cost of solar energy. On the other hand, wind energy is one
of the nature’s potential renewable energy resources. Wind can
be harnessed to provide an environmentally friendly and reliable
source of energy for many applications. Wind energy systems are
available in many sizes, from very small micro systems, which
can be mounted on a pole, to more than 1.5-megawatt turbines
that can supply energy to the electrical grid. Most stand-alone
systems fall into one of three categories according to their power
capacities: micro systems for 100 W or less, mini systems for
100 W to 10 kW and small systems for 10 kW to 50 kW. Wind
energy systems require a fairly constant wind speed. They are
designed to “cut-in” or begin operating, at speeds greater than
15 km/h and “cut-off” at very high wind speeds to protect them-
selves from damage. To decide whether a given site has enough
Address correspondence to Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Department
of Mechanical Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and
Minerals, P. O. Box: 279, Dhahran, 31261 Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
esmailm@kfupm.edu.sa
Color versions of one or more of the figures in the article can be
found online at www.tandfonline.com/ljge.
average annual wind speed and the number of days the wind is
above the “cut-in” point are very important. Of the many alter-
natives, photovoltaic and wind energy have been considered as
promising toward meeting the continually increasing demand for
energy. The wind and solar sources of energy are inexhaustible,
the conversion processes are pollution-free, and their availability
is free. In some cases, however, a single energy source system,
e.g., a standalone solar energy system, cannot provide a con-
tinuous source of energy due to the low availability during the
no-sun period and the winter. This implies that in order to achieve
the high energy availability required in some application such as
lighting, electrification of remote areas and telecommunications
it is necessary to oversize the rating of the generating system
(e.g., surface of the photovoltaic array, rating of wind generator).
On the other hand, it is possible to use hybrid system where two
or more renewable energy sources are exploited.
Several research studies investigated into optimizing the use
of wind-solar systems for power generation. The investigations
explore how different variables affect the performance and the
economic feasibility of these systems (Dursun et al. 2013, Barely
et al. 1997, and Eke, Kara, and Ulgen 2005). Engin (2013)
developed a sizing procedure for hybrid system with the aid of
mathematical models for photovoltaic cell, wind generator, and
battery that are readily present in the literature. Li, Wei, and
Xiang (2012) developed a simple algorithm to determine the
required number of generating units of wind-turbine generator
and photovoltaic array, and the associated storage capacity for
stand-alone hybrid micro grid. Soysal and Soysal (2008) have
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems
constructed a small-scale demonstration system, at Frostburg
State University. They showed that in summer, the output energy
of the system is mainly produced by the PV system; while in
winter, the wind generator output becomes greater. Chedid and
Rahman (1997) employed a linear programming technique for
optimal sizing of hybrid wind-solar power systems with min-
imum average production cost of electricity while meeting the
load requirements in a reliable manner.
Engin and Engin (2012) developed a sizing approach along
with a best management technique for every component of a
PV- wind hybrid system. The output of their process displays
the performance of the system during the year, the total cost of
the system, and the best size for the PV-generator, wind genera-
tor, and battery capacity. Zolot (2003) introduced a methodology
for evaluating and segregating load requirements and character-
istics to size hybrid energy source/storage elements for handling
the types of loads for which they are best suited. Borowy and
Salameh (1996) developed a methodology for calculating the
optimum size of a battery bank and the PV array for a standalone
PV-hybrid Wind system. Celik (2003) introduced a method for
optimal sizing an autonomous PV-wind hybrid energy system
with battery storage on a techno-economic basis. The level of
autonomy and the cost of the system were the targeted objectives
of the study. As a case study, the design of a hypothetical sys-
tem based on Cardiff (UK)-1994 weather data was prepared by
applying the new and the existing similar techniques. The study
showed that the worst month based scenarios lead to the least
optimal systems in terms of techno-economics. In a relatively
recent study, Hocaoglu et al. (2009) proposed a description of the
production/consumption phenomenon and developed a new siz-
ing procedure. Using this procedure, optimum battery capacity,
together with optimum number of PV modules and wind gen-
erators subject to minimum cost has been obtained with good
accuracy. Vick et al. (2003) used a combination of wind and
solar energy successfully to power an ultraviolet water purifi-
cation system. They showed that combining a 100 W solar-PV
system with a 500 W wind generator resulted in pumping and
purifying enough water to satisfy the potable water requirements
of 4000 people (16,000 liters/day) at an estimated equipment
cost of $4630. Zhou, Yang, and Fang (2008) presented a sim-
ple mathematical approach to simulate the lead–acid battery
behaviors in standalone hybrid solar–wind power generation sys-
tems. The battery has been demonstrated to be in good working
states with 86.7% opportunities for the battery state-of-charge to
remain higher than 0.5, and the over discharge situations seldom
occurred throughout the studied year. Habib et al. (1999) pre-
sented an optimization procedure of a hybrid photovoltaic wind
energy system, which can be used to satisfy the requirements
of a constant load of 5 kW. The study showed that the cost of
the hybrid system depends largely on the solar/wind power ratio
and the results indicated that the optimal solar/wind ratio that
resulted in the minimum capital cost is 70%.
Many studies (such as Hollands and Huget (1983) and Tina,
Gaglianoand, and Raiti (2006)) have proved that cloudiness is the
main factor affecting the difference between the values of solar
radiation measured outside the atmosphere and that measured on
earth surface. A daily clearness index (Kt ) has been introduced
in the literature (Hollands and Huget (1983)) to account for the
difference between these two values. The daily clearness index
527
(Kt ) is defined as the ratio of a particular day’s total solar radi-
ation (Ht ) [MJ/m2 ], to the extraterrestrial total solar radiation
(Ho ) [MJ/m2 ] for that day, both referred to a horizontal surface.
On the other hand, an hourly clearness index (kt ) is defined as
the ratio of the irradiance on a horizontal plane, (I) [kW/m2 ], to
the extraterrestrial total solar irradiance (Io ) [kW/m2 ]. Knowing
the hourly clearness index (kt ), one can determine the irradi-
ance on a surface with inclination (β) to the horizontal plane,
(IT ) [kW/m2 ]. Tina, Gaglianoand, and Raiti (2006) presented a
probabilistic approach for a hybrid PV-wind power system. The
approach is based on the convolution technique to assess the
long-term performance of the hybrid system for both stand-alone
and grid-linked applications. Analytical expressions were devel-
oped to obtain the power generated. The hybrid system and the
load models employed enable the study period to range from one
year to one particular hour-of-day, thus allowing the inclusion of
the time-value of energy as appropriate in economic assessments.
Diaf et al. (2007) presented a methodology to perform the opti-
mal sizing of an autonomous hybrid PV-wind system. They have
proposed mathematical models for characterizing PV module,
wind generator, and battery. They have focused on optimization
of sizing of the PV-wind system according to the loss of power
supply probability (LPSP) and the levelized cost of energy (LCE)
minimization concept. Hongxing, Wei, and Chengzhi (2009)
recommended an optimal design model for designing hybrid PV–
wind systems employing battery banks for calculating the system
optimum configurations and ensuring that the annualized cost of
the systems is minimized while satisfying the custom required
LPSP.
Rehman and Sahin (2012) presented the idea of wind-PV-
battery hybrid power system based on 100% renewable source
that is be tested for underground water pumping in some regions
in Saudi Arabia on experimental bases. Nearly optimal size of
PV-wind water pumping system was determined for five sites
considering the availability of solar and wind energy distributions
throughout the year. Nfah, Ngundam, and Tschinda (2007) intro-
duced a configuration to produce electrical power from renewable
energy hybrid system using solar/diesel/battery hybrid power
systems for the electrification of typical rural households and
schools in remote areas of the far north province of Cameroon.
In another study, wind/diesel/battery hybrid power systems have
been modeled for electrification of typical rural households and
schools in remote areas of the Far North Province of Cameroon,
Nfah and Ngundam (2008). Two wind generators with rated pow-
ers 180 W and 290 W were used in sizing the wind hybrid
systems for typical rural households’ energy needs in the range of
70–300 kWh per year. Yang, Lu, and Zhou (2007) developed the
hybrid solar-wind system optimization (HSWSO) sizing model
to optimize the capacity sizes of different components of hybrid
solar-wind power generation systems employing a battery bank.
The technical model was developed based on the LPSP technique
for system reliability. In Iraq, the electric power generated is not
enough to meet the power demand of domestic and industrial
sectors. So, Dihrab and Sopian (2010) proposed a hybrid system
as a renewable resource of power generation for grid connected
applications in three cities in Iraq. Nema, Nema, and Rangnekar
(2009) presented a review article on the current state of the
design, operation, and control requirement of the stand-alone
PV solar–wind hybrid energy systems with conventional backup
528
source like diesel generator or grid. Okundamiya and Nzeako
(2013) investigated the effect of altitude on air density and its
consequent effect on the output power of wind turbine generators.
Based on their study, they proposed, a robust model to account for
this effect for optimal sizing of a novel WECS for green-mobile
applications. Some other studies also investigated in combining
other energy sources, such as diesel and biomass, with the solar-
wind system (Balamurugan, Ashok, and Jose (2009), Shaahid
et al. (2010) and Sharma, Bhatti, and Ramakrishna (2011)).
The thorough literature survey cited above for the modeling
analysis and optimization system shows that it is a promis-
ing approach to electrify remote areas. However, the modeling
approach differs from one article to another and there is no stan-
dard approach that can give reliable results. Some models just
used the raw weather data for one year and some have used the
statistical weather data for prediction and imposing the proba-
bility density function. Moreover, there is no single article that
model and analyze hybrid wind-solar power generation system in
Saudi Arabia or in the Gulf area except that reported such efforts
in Iraq. So this lack in the literature about modeling wind-solar
system for Saudi Arabia motivated the present work.
The main objective of this article is to develop a mathematical
model and a computational code that can be used to size and opti-
mize a hybrid PV/wind electric power generation system for an
off-grid remote area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The hybrid
system comprises photovoltaic modules, wind generators, and a
battery bank. A diesel generator is also used to cover the load in
case the total power generated by the hybrid system is less than
the load demand. Mathematical models for PV modules, wind
generators, and storage batteries are developed. Then, a computer
program is developed using MATLAB software to find the opti-
mum numbers of PV modules, wind generators as well as storage
batteries that are required to cover the load demand with the mini-
mum cost and achieve optimal performance of the hybrid system.
Probability density functions (PDF) of the solar and wind speeds
weather data were estimated for Dhahran and it was imposed to
the Dhahran 2008 weather data for the PV-wind hybrid system
analysis.
Approach and Methodology
The configuration of a PV/wind hybrid system considered is
shown in Figure 1. Because most of the electric appliances use
AC power supply, an inverter is used before the load. Diesel
Fig. 1. Schematic of PV/wind hybrid system under study.
Mokheimer et al.
generator (optional) is used in case the total power generated by
the hybrid system is less than the load demand and the charge
capacity of the battery bank reach its minimum limit.
The assessment and optimization for sizing of the feasibility
of the hybrid PV/wind power generation system were carried out
according the following steps:
• The first step of the analysis is the development of the math-
ematical model that comprises all the required equations to
model each component of the hybrid system (e.g., PV, wind,
battery, etc . . . ).
• The second step is to collect the required weather data of the
location(s) (solar radiation, wind speed and ambient tempera-
ture).
• The third step is to develop the computer code which can solve
the developed the mathematical model.
• After that, the developed mathematical model and the com-
puter code is validated with previous published work.
• The validated model is used to conduct the optimization siz-
ing of the system as well as the parametric analysis under the
weather conditions of Saudi Arabia at the selected location.
The algorithm of the computer program used to solve the
mathematical model is presented in Figure 2. The algorithm input
dataset consists of hourly solar radiation on a horizontal surface,
hourly mean values of ambient temperature, wind speed, and the
load power requirements during the year and specifications of the
hybrid system devices.
In the photovoltaic model, we convert the horizontal solar
radiation to that on the tilted plane of the photovoltaic module.
Also in the wind generator model, the weather data wind speed is
converted to the corresponding wind speed at hub height of the
wind generator.
The Mathematical Model
The mathematical model developed during the present work to
simulate the hybrid PV-wind electric power generation system
to electrify an off-grid load, consists of a separate mathemati-
cal model for each component of the system. These models were
integrated together so as to satisfy a given load. In this regard, the
mathematical model for the PV array consists of the main equa-
tions of PV module along with solar data of the required location.
The wind generator mathematical model is basically developed
from the manufacturer data. Equations for the battery and the
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 529

Fig. 2. Flowchart diagram of the hybrid power generation system.

inverter are also included. To obtain reliable results, the proba- Mathematical Model of PV Array
bility density functions (PDF) of the solar and wind weather data
The PV cell can directly convert the sunlight to DC power
were imposed and used to calculate the power output of the solar
through the photoelectric phenomena. Usually the PV manu-
PV array and the power output of the wind generator. Integrating
facturer supply their products with a data sheet that contains
all equations to produce the power output of the hybrid system
values of voltage and current for three conditions namely, the
as well as the charging and discharging of the batteries with
short circuit, the open circuit, and the maximum power for a
the required load, make us able to estimate the required number
given set of reference (standard test) condition. The standard test-
and size of the batteries required to satisfy the load. Sensitivity
ing conditions for solar irradiation and temperature are (I st ) =
analysis for the sizing of the PV modules, wind generator, and
1000 (W/m2 ) and (T st ) = 25 (◦ C), respectively. In short circuit
battery size was carried out to optimize the system for the LCE.
condition, the diode current is very small and the light current is
The details of the developed mathematical model are given here
equal to the short circuit current (Sera et al. (2007)).
under.
530 Mokheimer et al.

The operating voltage and current determine the power out- Tcell = TA + 0.02IT , (9)
put of the PV array depending on the light intensity falling on
the PV module, the ambient temperature, and the manufacturer
characteristic properties of PV module. where (isc ) is the short-circuit current of the module, (V mp ) is the
The hourly total power output of PV array is given by: maximum-power voltage of the module, (V oc ) is the open-circuit
voltage of the module, (imp ) is the maximum-power current of
PPV = nPV VPV iPV (1) the module, (IT ) total solar radiation on tilted panel, (I st ) is
standard solar radiation (1000 W/m2 ), (α o ) is the current tem-
PPV is the output power of the PV module perature coefficient of the module, (β o ) is the voltage temperature
npv number of PV modules coefficient of the module, and (TA ) is the ambient temperature.
VPV module optimum operating point voltage at arbitrary
conditions (V)
ipv module optimum operating point current at arbitrary Probability Density Function for Solar Radiation
conditions (A). Although, the variation of solar radiation between the years is
minimal and the influence of this variation is small in Dhahran,
The formulas for calculating the optimum operating point cur-
a probabilistic study has been developed for a complete year
rent and voltage under arbitrary conditions have the following
data (2008). The solar radiation probability distribution functions
forms Ai et al. (2003):
were calculated for each hour of a typical day in every month.
     The solar radiation will be described in terms of statistical
VPV − V
iPV = iSC 1 − C1 exp − 1 + i, (2) methods and its distribution assumed to be a Weibull distribution.
C2 VOC So, the probability density function (pdf) is given by Borowy and
Salameh (1994):
where
        
imp Vmp k I k−1 I k
C1 = 1 − exp − (3) f (s) = exp − , (10)
iSC C2 VOC c c c

Vmp /(V OC − 1) where:

C2 =  . (4)
ln 1 − imp /iSC
And (c) Scale factor, unit of solar radiation.
   (k) Shape factor, dimensionless.
IT (i) Solar radiation.
VPV = Vmp 1 + 0.0539 log + βo T (5)
Ist
An example of the solar radiation probability density function
V = VPV − Vmp (6) is shown in Figure 3 which has (c) = 284.008 (W/m2 ) and (k)
Shape factor =7.30995.
    After calculating the probability density function for the solar
IT IT
i = αo T + − 1 iSC (7) radiation for each hour on a typical day in each month, the aver-
Ist Ist
age power output from a PV module was calculated using the
T = Tcell − Tst (8) following equation in the integral Borowy and Salameh (1996):

Fig. 3. Dhahran solar radiation histogram matched with Weibull probability density function plot for a typical day in January at 9:00 am.
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 531
⎧

∞ ⎪ 0 for → v < vc
⎪
⎪
Ppv,avg = Ppv f (s)ds, (11) ⎨ a1 vn . . .b1 v2 + c1 v + d1 for → vc ≤ v < v1
Pw (v) = a2 vn . . .b2 v2 + c2 v + d2 for → v1 ≤ v < v2
0 ⎪
⎪
⎪ a3 vn . . .b3 v2 + c3 v + d3
⎩ for → v2 ≤ v < vf
0 for → v > vf
where: f (s) is a probability density function for solar radiation (13)
given by (10), Ppv is the output power of the PV modules given
by Equation (1). where Pw (v) is the output power of wind generator at wind speed,
v, v is wind speed at the hub height, vc and vf are cut-in and cut-off
wind speed of the wind generator, respectively. The hourly out-
put of wind generator can be obtained by using the characteristic
Mathematical Model of Wind Generator equation of the wind generator and average hourly wind speed at
the hub height.
Wind is a form of solar energy. It is caused by uneven heating
of the atmosphere by the sun, irregularities of the earth’s sur-
face, and rotation of the earth. Wind flow patterns are modified Probability Density Function for the Wind Speed
by earth’s terrain, bodies of water, and vegetation. Human use The speed of wind is a random process, therefore, it could be
this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes such as sail- described in terms of statistical methods and its distribution
ing, flying a kite, and even generating electricity. The amount assumed to be a Weibull distribution. Hence, the probability
of power transferred to a wind generator is directly proportional density function is given by Borowy and Salameh (1996):
to the area swept out by the rotor, the air density, and the cubic
  
power of the wind speed. k  v k−1 v k
When calculating the output of wind generator, the measured f (v) = exp − (14)
c c c
data of average hourly wind speed should be converted to the
corresponding values at the hub height. The most commonly used where:
formula is power law (Diaf et al. (2007)), expressed as:
c - Scale factor, unit of speed
 α k - Shape factor, dimensionless.
v z
= , (12) v - Wind speed.
vo zo
The wind speed distribution functions were calculated for
where: each hour of a typical day in every month. An example of the
(v) is the wind speed at desired height (z), (vo ) is wind speed at wind speed probability density function is shown in Figure 4
the reference height (zo ), (α) is the ground surface friction coef- which has (c) = 4.57167 (m/s) and (k) Shape factor = 2.48646.
ficient. According to many authors, the typical value of (1/7), Once distribution functions for wind speed were calculated
corresponding to low roughness surfaces and well exposed sites, for every hour of a typical day for each month, the average power
is used (Diaf et al. (2007)). output for every hour of the typical day in each month can be eas-
The hourly output of wind generator can only be calculated ily calculated using the following equation Borowy and Salameh
accurately by using the characteristic curve of its own. The char- (1996):
acteristic equation of wind generator is obtained by fitting the
practical output characteristic curve using least squares method.
∞
In order to guarantee the fitting accuracy, three or more binomial Pw,avg = Pw f (v)dv, (15)
expressions have been used. 0

Fig. 4. Dhahran wind speed histogram matched with Weibull probability density function plot for a typical day in January at 9:00 am.
532 Mokheimer et al.

where: (f (v)) is a probability density function for wind speed LCE. The technical model for hybrid system sizing is developed
given by Equation (14), (Pw ) is the output power of the wind according to the LPSP technique. This can be defined as Diaf
generator given by Equation (13). et al. (2007):


T
Mathematical Model of Storage Battery LPS(t)
t=1
During the charging process, when the total output of PV mod- LPSP = , (22)

T
ules and wind generators is greater than the load demand, the PL (t) t
available battery bank capacity at hour (t) can be described by t=1
Diaf et al. (2007):
where (LPS) is loss of power supply for an hour (t) when the bat-
 
PL (t) tery reaches the minimum allowable capacity can be expressed
CB (t) = CB (t − 1).(1 − σ ) + PT (t) − ηBatt , (16) as follows:
ηinv

where: σ is the self-discharge rate of the battery bank which is LPS(t) = PL (t)t − (PT t + CB (t − 1) − CB min )ηinv , (23)
usually given by manufacturers as 25% over 6 month (Markvart
and Castaner (2003)) and (PT (t)) is the total output power gen- where (t) is the step of time used for the calculations (in this
erated by the hybrid system at hour (t) which is calculated study t = 1 h). During that time, the power produced by the
from: PV and wind generators is assumed constant. So, the power is
numerically equal to the energy within this time step.
PT (t) = npv Ppv + nw Pw . (17) Moreover, he introduced for the analysis one more concept,
renewable contribution (RC), which can be defined as the ratio of
On the other hand, when the load demand is greater than the the load supplied by the hybrid PV/wind system during a given
available power generated by the hybrid system, the battery bank time period over the total load during the same period. According
is in discharging state. Therefore, the charge capacity of battery to the LPSP, it can be expressed as follows (Diaf et al. (2007)):
bank at the time (t) can be expressed as:
  RC(T) = 1 − LPSP. (24)
PL (t)
CB (t) = CB (t − 1).(1 − σ ) + − PT (t) . (18)
ηinv For a given LPSP value and a defined period, many config-
urations can technically meet the required reliability demand of
At any time, the charge capacity of battery bank is subject to power supply. The optimal configuration can be identified finally
the following constraints: from this set of configurations by achieving the lowest LCE.

CB min ≤ CB (t) ≤ CB max , (19)

Modeling of System Economic
where (CB max ) and (CB min ) are the maximum and minimum Since more concerns are given to the lowest energy cost in
allowable storage capacity, respectively. Here, the maximum such projects, an economic sizing model is developed for the
charge capacity of battery bank (CB max ) takes the value of nom- hybrid PV/wind power generation system according to the LCE
inal capacity of battery bank (CBatt ) and the minimum charge concept.
capacity of battery bank (CB min ) is determined by the maximum The LCE is defined as:
depth of discharge (DOD).
(Ctot /n) + Crun
LCE =  , (25)
CB max = CBatt (20) PL

CB min = (1 − DOD).CBatt . (21) where: (n) is the system life in years, ( PL ) is the sum-
mation of the annual load demand of the hybrid system in
According to the specifications from the manufacturers, the (kWh), (Crun ) is the annual running (or operating) cost of the
battery’s lifetime can be prolonged to the maximum if DOD takes hybrid, (Ctot ) is the total present value of actual cost of all
the value of 80%. the hybrid system components including the replacement cost
of the hybrid system components, which can be expressed as
follows:
Modeling of System Reliability
Modeling a hybrid PV/wind system is considered as the first Ctot = npv α + nbatt β + nw Cwind , (26)
step in the optimal sizing procedure. In this study, more accu-
rate mathematical models for characterizing PV module, wind where:
generator, and battery were proposed. The second step is to opti- npv is the number of PV modules, α is the sum of present
mize the sizing of a system via the minimization of LPSP and value of capital and maintenance costs of the PV module, Cwind
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 533

is the sum of present value of capital and maintenance costs of

the wind generator, β is the sum of present value of capital cost of
the battery and the cost of replacements. Dividing this total cost
by the lifetime of the hybrid system in years result in the annual
capital cost of the system.

Results and Discussion

Validation against HOMER Software

The developed mathematical model and computer code have
been validated against HOMER software. The hybrid PV/wind
power generation system has been used to power supply specific
load requirements for a typical house located in Dhahran city
(Latitude 26◦ 17 North, 50◦ 9 East). For validation purposes,
the same components of the hybrid system have been used in both
HOMER and the developed MATLAB code. The parameters of
these components are listed in Table 1. The schematic diagram
of the PV/wind/battery hybrid system used for validation is
depicted in Figure 5.
The main input data include: solar radiation, wind speed and
load data; technical specifications and cost data of photovoltaic
modules, wind generators, converter, and batteries. Figure 6
shows the weather data (solar radiation, wind speed) and hourly Fig. 5. The schematic diagram of the PV/wind/battery hybrid
load profile for a typical house. system.

generator, (b) two wind generators). Figure 7 shows the simula-

Results of Validation
Based on the above inputs (the weather data and the parameters
of the hybrid system components), many simulations have been
made using both HOMER program and the developed MATLAB
code. Two cases have been conducted: the first one using one
wind generator of 1000 W and the second one using two wind
generators of 1000 W. The target in both cases was to find the
optimum configuration of PV power and the number of batteries
that give the minimum LCE and met the load requirements.
Table 2 shows HOMER Program results with ((a) one wind
tion results using the developed MATLAB code ((a) one wind
generator, (b) two wind generators). Table 2a and Figure 7(a)
show that the optimum configuration with one wind generator is
(2.4 W PV power and 10 batteries) with (LCE = 0.794 $/kWh).
With two wind generators the same optimum configuration of
(1.9 W PV power and 8 batteries with LCE = 0.71 $/kWh) has
been reached at using both HOMER Program and the presently
developed MATLAB code.
For comparison purpose, Table 3 gives the simulation results
at the optimum configuration with one and two wind generators

Table 1. Parameters of the Hybrid System Components Used for Validation Against HOMER
a) Parameters of the chosen PV module:

Max. power Max. power Max. power Open circuit

Type output (W) voltage (V) current (A) voltage (V) Short circuit current Price($)

BP350 50 17.5 2.9 21.8 3.2 350

b) Parameters of the chosen wind generator:

Rated wind speed Cut-off Cut-in

Type Rated power (W) (m/s) wind speed (m/s) wind speed (m/s) Price($)

BWCXL1000 1000 11 2.5 25 2500

c) Parameters of the chosen battery:

Nominal capacity
Type (Ah) Voltage (V) Minimum charge Price ($)

Concord (2120L) 253 12 20% 465

534 Mokheimer et al.

Monthly mean daily global solar radiation at Dhahran (KSA)

Monthly mean wind speed at Dhahran (KSA) at 10 m height

Hourly load profile for typical house

Fig. 6. Monthly mean weather data (solar radiation and wind speed) at Dhahran city (KSA) and hourly load profile for a typical house.

using HOMER and the presently developed mathematical model
and MATLAB code.
Summary of the validation: The following tables summarize the
comparison between the results obtained by the present code and
those obtained by HOMER for two hybrid systems.
Simulation Results
The mathematical model and the computer code were employed
to design an optimal standalone hybrid PV/wind power gener-
ation system in order to power supply a residential household
located in the area of Dhahran city (Latitude 26◦ 17 North,
50◦ 9 East) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The wind speed
and solar radiation are of random nature. Therefore, the math-
ematical model and computer code have been used to conduct
simulations using the raw weather data of Dhahran city. The wind
speed and solar radiation probability density functions (PDF)
were calculated for each hour of a typical day in every month
then the average power outputs of both of the wind generator
and the PV modules were calculated. For a given LPSP, differ-
ent combinations of the number of PV modules and the number
of batteries were calculated. An optimum design choice depends
on the relative costs of a PV module and a battery with one, two
or three wind generators. The simulations were conducted using
one year (2008) weather data after imposing the pertinent prob-
ability density function on the hourly global solar radiation on
horizontal surface, as well as hourly mean values of wind speeds
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 535

Table 2. HOMER Program Results with One and Two Wind
Generators
and ambient temperature shown in Figure 8(a,b,c). A load of a
typical house with an average load of 473 W and a peak load of
1231 W was used, (Figure 8(d)).
The rated power of a PV module used was 50 W with incli-
◦
nation of 26 17´ and facing south. The capacity of a single
battery used was 100 Ah and the selected battery has a round-
trip efficiency of 0.85% and 80% of the depth of discharge.
The parameters of the hybrid system components are listed in
Table 4.
The calculation of the optimum number of photovoltaic mod-
ules and batteries was based on the concepts of minimization of
the LPSP, Diaf et al. (2007), at the minimum LCE, Hocaoglu
et al. (2009). The LPSP was specified at the value of 1 day
within 10 years (0.000274). Using the developed mathematical
model and the computer code, series of possible combinations
of the number of PV modules and batteries has been assessed
for a given number of wind generators of a given size. In the
present simulations, Hummer (H2.7) wind generator of rated
power 500 W was considered.
For a given number of wind generators, the total cost of
the hybrid wind-PV system is linearly related to the number
of PV modules and the number of batteries as indicated by
Equation (26). Thus, it is necessary to determine the PV/battery
combination that yields a minimum cost of the system for a
given number of wind generators of a given size as given by
Equation (26). In this regard, the point of optimum combination
of the number of PV modules and batteries that achieves the min-
imum LCE would lie on the straight line of inclination equals to
the ratio of the cost of a single battery to the cost of a single PV
module (−β/α) which is called the cost function line, Borowy
and Salameh (1996). On the other hand, this optimal combina-
tion point should satisfy the minimum LPSP specified by the
system designer or requirements (Diaf et al. (2007)). Thus, the
minimum cost will be at the point of tangency of the line cost and
the curve that represents the relationship between the number of
PV modules and the number of batteries that satisfies the required
LPSP.
In the presently developed method, the variation of the number
of PV modules with the number of batteries to satisfy a specified

(a) (b)

Fig. 7. Results of validation: (a) with one; (b) two wind generators.
Table 3a. A Hybrid System with one Wind Generator
PV No. of Initial capital Operating cost Total net Cost of energy Renewable
Optimum configuration (kW) batteries cost ($) ($/Yr) present cost ($) ($/kWh) fraction

HOMER results 2.4 10 24,700 731.00 31,877.00 0.7940 1.000

Results of present code 2.4 10 24,700 730.05 31,876.81 0.7942 0.9911
Difference % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.129959 0.000596 0.025189 0.89

Table 3b. A Hybrid System with 2 Wind Generators

PV No. of Initial capital Operating cost Total net Cost of energy Renewable
Optimum configuration (kW) batteries cost ($) ($/Yr) present cost ($) ($/kWh) fraction

HOMER results 1.9 8 22,770 585 28,512 0.7100 1.000

Results of present code 1.9 8 22,770 584.04 28,511.45 0.7104 0.9934
Difference % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.164103 0.001929 0.056338 0.66
536 Mokheimer et al.

(a) Solar radiation on horizontal plane (b) Wind speed at 10 m height

(c) Ambient temperature (d) Hourly load profile for a typical house

Fig. 8. Hourly values of meteorological parameters for Dhahran (2008) and hourly load profile for a typical house.

Table 4. Parameters of the Hybrid System Components used for Simulation

a) Parameters of the chosen PV module:

Max. power Max. power Max. power Open circuit Short circuit
Type output (W) voltage (V) current (A) voltage (V) current Price($)

BP350 50 17.5 2.9 21.8 3.2 350

b) Parameters of the chosen wind generator:

Rated power Tower height Rated wind Cut-in wind Cut-off wind Blade
Type (W) (m) speed (m/s) speed (m/s) speed (m/s) diameter (m) Price($)

H2.7-500 W 500 6 7 3 20 2.7 500

C) Parameters of the chosen battery:

Type Nominal capacity (Ah) Voltage (V) Minimum charge Price ($)

TOYO GFM-100 100 2 20% 100

LPSP for a hybrid system of a given number of wind generators
is plotted as shown schematically in Figure 9. Hence, the cost
function line of slope (−β/α) is drown on the same plot (e.g.,
Figure 9) such that it touches the curve (line) that represents the
variation of the number of PV modules with the number of bat-
teries to satisfy a specified LPSP for a given number of wind
generators. The minimum cost will be at the point of tangency
(S) of the cost line and the curve that represents the relationship
between the number of PV modules and the number of batter-
ies for the desired (LPSP). The optimization procedure explained
schematically in Figure 9 is used to find the optimum configura-
tion that gives the minimum LCE and achieves the desired level
of LPSP. It is worth mentioning reminding here that the optimum
mix of PV modules and batteries depends on the particular site,
load profile, and the desired reliability of the hybrid system.
Applying the optimization procedure summarized above for
a given unit cost of batteries and PV modules, optimum combi-
nations that minimize the LCE with a LPSP = 0.000274 (1 day
every 10 years) were obtained for hybrid systems of one, two,
and three wind generators. Plots of the number of the variation
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 537

than the number of batteries at the optimum point, the variation

of PV power (number of PV modules) versus the capacity bat-
tery (number of batteries) is significant. The second domain is
after the optimal combination point where this variation becomes
gradual and insignificant. This is attributed to the fact that with
low storage capacity, the system needs more PV power to meet
the load with the desired LPSP.
Figure 11 gives a cumulative conclusion of the simulation
results for the optimum solution of the PV/battery configura-
tions that give the minimum LCE with one, two, and three wind

Fig. 9. Plot of number of PV modules versus number of batteries for

a given LPSP.

of the number of PV modules versus the number of batteries for

LPSP = 0.000274 are shown in Figure 10. On the same plots,
the cost function lines are shown. The optimum numbers of PV
modules and batteries at the point of tangency with one wind
generator (500 W) are 47 and 35, respectively, as indicated in
Figure 10(a) with LCE = 1.0513 $/kWh. Increasing the number
of the wind generators to be two wind generators (500 W), will
decrease the LCE to be 0.93 $/kWh at the optimum combination
point of 41 PV modules and 30 batteries (Figure 10(b)). Further
increasing the number of wind generators to be two wind gener-
ators (500 W), will reduce the LCE to 0.82 $/kWh with 34 PV
modules and 27 batteries (Figure 10(c)). Fig. 11. Comparison of levelized costs of energy for different
In the set of Figure 10(a)–(c), two domains can be identi- configurations with LPSP = 0.000274.
fied. In the first domain, where the number of batteries is less

(a) With 1 wind generator (500W) (b) With 2 wind generators (500W)

(c) With 3 wind generators (500W)

Fig. 10. Plot of the number of PV modules versus the number of batteries for a given LPSP = 0.000274 with the optimum solution.
538 Mokheimer et al.

Table 5. Optimal Hybrid System Configurations with one, two, and

three Wind Generators (WG)
Optimum points
(LPSP=0.000274) 1-WG 2- WG 3-WG

Number of PV modules 47 41 34
Number of batteries 35 30 27
Levelized cost of energy 1.05 0.93 0.82
($/kWh)

generators (500 W). In this figure, the different configurations,

which meet the same reliability of power supply, are expressed by
plotting the trade-off curve between the number of PV modules
and the number of batteries for each number wind genera-
tors. In the same figure, the simulation results representing the
levelized costs of energy for different combinations satisfying a
LPSP of 0.000274 are presented. This figure illustrates different
combinations of PV, wind, and battery storage capacities and their
corresponding kWh costs with one, two, and three wind gener-
ators (500 W). The results yield only one combination for the
optimum solutions, where the cost of kWh energy is a minimum
as tabulated in Table 5.
To have more understanding of the optimal combinations
of the solar-wind hybrid system components, contour of con-
stant LPSP with one wind generator (500 W) is presented in
Figure 12(a). It is clear from the 3D contours, of Figure 12(a),
that increasing the number of PV modules and number of bat-
teries would result in achieving the zero level of LPSP. The
optimum combination point shown in this figure with 47 PV Fig. 12. (a) LPSP contour plot for different configurations of number
modules and 35 batteries at LPSP = 0.000274 level is very close of PV modules and number of batteries for a hybrid system with one
to 0 LPSP level which means that the renewable contribution (RC wind generator (500 W).
defined by Equation (24)) is 100% but with high LCE (0.82–1.05
$/kwh).
Inspecting the LPSP contours plotted in Figure 12 (a) and the
associated contours of constant LCE for a hybrid system plotted
in Figure 12 (b), one can conclude that reducing the LCE via the
reduction of either the number of PV modules or the number of
batteries of a hybrid system with one wind generator would result
in a considerable increase in the LPSP. For example, for the sys-
tem of one wind generator, reducing the number of PV modules
and batteries from 47 and 35 to 41 and 32, respectively, will result
in increasing the LPSP from LPSP = 0.000274 (or 1 day every
10 years) to LPSP = 0.02 (or 73 days every 10 years). This repre-
sents an increase in the LPSP by 7200% while the LCE is reduced
from 1.05 $/kWh to about 0.9 $/kWh (i.e, with a reduction of
only 14%) which makes the system unreliable with insignificant
reduction in the cost. Fig. 12. (b) Contour of constant LCE ($/kWh) with one (500 W)
In order to significantly reduce the LCE value while keeping wind generator.
the system reliability intact (i.e., achieving zero level of LPSP),
the use of a third energy source (diesel) could be beneficial for the
system. Although using any fossil fuel source of energy will emit the cut-off speed of the wind generator. To explore the impact
pollutants into the local atmosphere, it is necessary to use a diesel of using diesel generator, simulations have been conducted to
generator to cover the load in case the power generated from the investigate the techno-economic performance of a hybrid system
hybrid system is less than the demand load. This can happen that comprises a one, two, and three wind generators of 500 W
during bad weather conditions (dusty or cloudy weather) or in and a diesel generator of 2.6 kW with different combinations of
case the wind speed is less than the cut-in speed or higher than the number of PV modules and the number of batteries used for
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems
Fig. 13. 3D contours for different configurations of number of PV
modules and batteries with (a) 1; (b) 2; (c) 3 (500 W) WG.
energy storage. The results of the simulations of this system are
reported hereunder in a set of contour plots. Figure 13 depicts
3D contours of the renewable energy contribution (RC, defined
by Equation (24)) for different configuration of PV modules and
batteries with one, two, and three wind generators (500 W). The
contours of constant values of the LCE for a hybrid system with
a (2.6 kW) diesel generator are shown in Figure 14. This figure
shows that the cost is increasing with the increase of the diesel
generator size due to the increase of the associated capital and
running costs required to keep the load always satisfied. Contours
of diesel generator working hours during the whole year and the
associated CO2 production are presented in Figure 15.
539
Fig. 14. Contour of constant LCE ($/kWh) with one wind generator
(500 W) and (2.6 kW) diesel generator.
Combining the results of the renewable energy contribution
with the results of the levelized energy cost and the number of
operating hours of the diesel generator and its associated CO2
emissions, one can make the proper decision for the design and
operation of a hybrid solar-wind-battery-diesel generator sys-
tem. Inspecting Figure 13, one can conclude that increasing
the number of wind generators would achieve high contribu-
tion of renewable energy and reduce the LCE. The renewable
energy contribution will be 100% with one wind generator
starting from more than 35 batteries and more than 45 PV
modules whereas with two wind generators, 100% renewable
energy contribution can be achieved starting from more than
25 batteries and more than 35 PV modules. With three wind gen-
erators the same level of energy contribution can be achieved
starting from more than 20 batteries and more than 25 PV
modules.
It is worth mentioning here that the contours of the LCE for
a hybrid system with a 2.6 kW diesel generator are generated
with a LPSP = 0. Inspecting the results of Figure 14 in combi-
nation with those presented in Figure 15(a) and (b), one can find
that increasing the number of PV modules and the number of
batteries leads to avoiding the intensive use of the diesel genera-
tor but this will increase the total cost of the system. With more
than 35 batteries and more than 45 PV modules we can achieve
zero working hours of the diesel generator and consequently a
zero CO2 emission with LCE between 1.1 to 1.4 $/kwh. We can
reduce this high cost by using the diesel generator and reduce
the number of PV modules and batteries but with the penalty
of increasing CO2 emission to the local environment. For exam-
ple, to reduce the LCE to 0.9 $/kWh, we need a hybrid system
comprising one wind generator of 500 W, a diesel generator of
2.6 kW, 40 PV modules, and 20 batteries (see Figure 14). This
system will achieve the zero level of LPSP but with 3000 oper-
ating hours of the diesel generator annually which results in an
annual CO2 emission of about 400 kg, as shown in Figure 15.
This is in comparison to the corresponding completely renewable
hybrid system with one wind generator of 500 W, 41 PV modules,
and 32 batteries that gives the same LCE of 0.9 $/kWh with zero
level of CO2 emission but less reliability (LPSP of 0.02 (73 days
every 10 years)).
540
Fig. 15. Contour of (a) diesel generator working hours and (b) CO2 production with one (500 W) wind generator and one (2.6 kW) diesel
generator.
Conclusions
A methodology for calculation of the optimum size of a battery
bank and the optimum size of a PV array in a hybrid PV/wind
system for a given load and a given level of reliability was
demonstrated. For stand-alone applications, storage cost still rep-
resents the major economic restraint. Therefore, combining both
wind power and PV power would lead to minimizing the stor-
age requirements, and hence the overall cost of the system. For
a given load requirements and a given wind generator size, an
algorithm was developed to calculate the optimum number of PV
modules and batteries that would achieve a desired LPSP. The
results of the developed model have been validated against the
results obtained by HOMER with an excellent agreement using
the row weather data in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The validated
Mokheimer et al.
model has been used to reach at the optimal design based on the
minimization of both of the LPSP and the LCE after imposing the
probability density function on the solar and wind weather data
in Dhahran area. The results indicate that increase in the num-
ber of wind turbines results in a significant reduction in the LCE.
It is also shown that an optimum solution that provides a mini-
mum LCE can be achieved at a given PV/battery configuration.
The results of the simulation indicated that little decrease in the
number of PV modules or batteries for a given number of wind
generators would result in a considerable increase in the LPSP
with insignificant decrease in the LCE. Moreover, the developed
simulation model has been used to explore the impact of adding
a diesel generator to the hybrid system. For such a system, the
possible reduction of the LCE while having LPSP = 0 has been
estimated along with the associated CO2 emission.
Off-Grid Power Generation Systems 541

Funding vc cut-in wind speed of the wind generator (m/s)

The authors express their sincere gratitude to the Center of
Research Excellence in Renewable Energy, for funding this
project under grant # CoRE-RE-0 8. This work has been sup-
ported in part by the KFUPM-MIT Research Collaboration
Center of Clean Water and Clean Energy through grant # R12-
CE-10.
vr rated wind speed of the wind generator (m/s)
vf cut-off wind speed of the wind generator (m/s)
α cost of a single PV module, ($)
αo module current temperature coefficient (A/◦ C)
β cost of a single battery, ($)
βo module voltage temperature coefficient (V/◦ C)
ηinv efficiency of inverter
σ self-discharge rate of the battery bank

Nomenclature
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