A MILP methodology to optimize sizing of PV - Wind renewable energy systems

This paper proposes a methodology that is based on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) to calculate the optimal sizing of a hybrid wind-photovoltaic power plant in an industrial area. The proposed methodology considers the: i) load requirements; ii) physical and geometric constraints for the renewable plants installation; iii) operating and maintenance costs of both wind and PV power plants; and the iv) electric energy absorbed by the public network. The power demand variation associated with the production cycles is considered by using a stochastic simulation tool. To consider both the load and seasonality variability, and to adapt the methodology to the actual operational use of the power plant, the optimization is performed separately for each month of the year. Then, an integrated economic analysis is discussed. The methodology is adopted to analyze an industrial plant in the Rome area used as a train depot and for maintenance purposes. The results, which combine the needs of the plant activity with the availability of renewable energy, enabled the determination of optimal solutions and the relevant savings achievable.