Optimal sizing of grid integrated hybrid PV‐biomass energy system using artificial bee colony algorithm

This study presents an optimal sizing methodology for a stand‐alone and grid connected PV‐biomass hybrid energy system that serves the electricity demand of a typical village. However, this method is scalable and can be used in any test system. A recently developed artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is used to detect out the optimum hybrid system configuration with the least levelised cost of energy while minimising annualised cost of the system. It has been observed from the results that a grid connected hybrid PV‐biomass system is cost effective and reliable choice for rural electrification as compared with stand‐alone hybrid PV‐biomass energy system. It has been emerged from this study that the proposed system offers reliable and affordable electricity in a sustainable way by harnessing locally available natural resources. A brief comparison of results obtained from the ABC algorithm and hybrid optimisation model for electric renewable (HOMER) has been carried out. Moreover, it is also observed from the results that the ABC algorithm provides better results as compared with HOMER.