Sizing and energy optimization of wind/floating photovoltaic/hydro-storage system for Net Zero Carbon emissions in Brava Island

This research paper presents an accurate analysis of the interactions between the distribution grid and the local markets of Brava Island (Cape Verde), with the aim to optimize the power generated by a hybrid plant composed of floating photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, a hydro-storage subsystem and a diesel generator. The study applies two algorithms which are the Particle Swarm Optimization and Artificial Bee Colony to determine the optimal size of the plant components. In the proposed optimization algorithms, the operator sets maximum values for the hydro turbine generation, the wind and photovoltaic powers penetration into the electrical grid. The excess power generated by the photovoltaic-wind sources is used to power the pump, which directs the seawater to an upper reservoir. Electrical resistances are used to dissipate the excess power when the reservoir is full. The algorithm's results show that up to 48.3% of renewable energy penetration can be achieved for the island, in addition to the economic feasibility and affordable small levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of about $0.23/kWh over 20 years.