Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO)-based Dynamic System Model for the Optimal Sizing and Real-World Simulation of Grid-Connected Hybrid PV-H2 Energy Systems

To enable envisaging the impact of the developed multi-objective optimal sizing dynamic system model on the conceptual design and sizing of the hybrid system, its results are compared versus those obtained from a single-objective PSO-Based hybrid system model that only minimises the levelized cost of energy. Results for this comparative analysis are obtained by applying both the single and multi-objective developed PSO-based dynamic hybrid system models on the same case study grid-connected building within Robert Gordon university campus in Aberdeen. Optimisation results showed that when minimising only the LCOE for consumers, the optimal sizing of the hybrid system components is found to be 1000 kW PV system, 932 kW electrolyser, 22.7 kg H2 storage tank and 242 kW fuel cell system, with the levelized cost of energy 0.366 £/kWh and grid dependency of 40%. On the other hand, when using the developed multi-objective optimal sizing model to minimise both the LCOE and the building carbon footprint, the optimal sizing of the hybrid system components is found to be 3187.8 kW PV system, 1000 kW electrolyser, 106.1 kg H2 storage tank and 250 kW fuel cell system, with a relatively good levelized cost of energy of 0.5188 £/kWh and grid dependency reduced to 33.33%.