Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Microgrids for Isolated Sites
Yancachajlla Tito, Ubaldo
Sanga Quiroz, Celso Antonio
Velarde Coaquira, Edilberto
Belizario Quispe, Germán
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How to Cite

Yancachajlla Tito U., Sanga Quiroz C.A., Velarde Coaquira E., Belizario Quispe G., 2026, Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Microgrids for Isolated Sites, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 125, 601-606.
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Abstract

This paper analyzes the technical and economic performance of four off-grid hybrid power system configurations for a rural coastal site using HOMER Pro simulations. Configurations combining photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, battery storage and a diesel backup were compared under a load-following dispatch over a 25-year horizon with an 8% real discount rate. The PV + wind + diesel + batteries layout emerged as the most cost-effective, achieving the lowest net present cost (NPC = 79,942 USD) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE = 0.207 USD/kWh) while delivering a 93% renewable fraction. In this option the diesel unit operates mainly as backup, consuming about 709 L/year. Fully renewable alternatives eliminate fuel use but require substantially larger PV and battery capacities and show marked increases in NPC. The results support PV–wind hybridization with a small diesel backup as a practical compromise between reliability and cost for decentralized electrification in resource-variable rural sites.
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