Multi-objective optimization of a hybrid energy system integrated with solar-wind-PEMFC and energy storage

The move towards achieving carbon neutrality has sparked interest in combining multiple energy sources to promote renewable penetration. This paper presents a proposition for a hybrid energy system that integrates solar, wind, electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and thermal storage to meet the electrical and heating demands of a student dormitory in Shanghai. The proposed system is optimized to simultaneously account for multiple objectives, including economy, environmental benefits, and grid interaction, measured by Equivalent Annual Cost (EAC) for the life cycle of 20 years, Primary Energy Saving Ratio (PESR) of the heating system and Grid Interaction Level (GIL) of the electrical system. The effectiveness of the optimization results from NSGA-II is verified and compared with MOPSO to determine the optimal installation configuration and operation strategies. The results highlight the significance of energy storage in enabling greater renewable integration and the potential of hydrogen to play a vital role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The optimal design of the proposed hybrid system can meet the power and heat demand of a student dormitory with a floor area of 2679m2. The Pareto-optimal solutions of PESR and GIL for NSGA-II fall within the range of (89 %, 104 %) and (70 %, 88 %), respectively. A significant number of Pareto-optimal solutions cluster around an EAC of approximately 160 k RMB. The optimization by MOPSO exhibited the similar results. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis provides insights into the sensitivity of objectives to changes in optimal design parameters, facilitating the design and optimization of similar hybrid energy systems integrated with a closed loop for hydrogen production and utilization in the future.