A Hybrid PV-Biomass Generation Based Micro-Grid for the Irrigation System of a Major Land Reclamation Project in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) - Case Study of Albaha Area

This paper is aimed at conducting technical and economical analysis of hybrid PV-Biomass micro-grid, which to electrify a remote apple farm located in Albaha region, KSA. To accomplish this goal, the system components are simulated, modelled and sizing. The objective function is formulated based on the Total Annual Cost (TAC). Two selected optimization methods are applied to achieve the optimum number of the PV panels and the biomass engine-generator set with the least Net Present Cost (NPC). The optimization algorithms are the Harmony Search (HS) and the Firefly Algorithm (FA). The Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) is utilized to improve the performance of the proposed system. The final consequences of the optimal system display that it contains 25 PV modules, 2 biomass generators and 98 Nickel Iron (Ni-Fe) batteries at LPSP of 2% and lower NPC.