A MILP model to design hybrid wind–photovoltaic isolated rural electrification projects in developing countries

Electrification systems based on the use of renewable energy sources are a suitable option for providing electricity to isolated communities autonomously. Wind and hybrid wind–photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasingly getting attention. To electrify scattered communities, designs that combine individual systems and microgrids have recently proven advantageous. In this paper we present a mathematical programming model to optimize the design of hybrid wind–PV systems that solves the location of the wind–PV generators and the design of the microgrids, taking into account the demand of the consumption points and the energy potential. The criterion is the minimization of the initial investment cost required to meet the demand. The proposed hybrid model is tested with realistic size instances and results show the instances are efficiently solved. Moreover, the model is applied to real case studies in Peru; obtained results verify that the hybrid model efficiently finds solutions that significantly reduce costs.

► Wind–photovoltaic systems are used to electrify communities of developing countries.
► Designs that combine individual systems and microgrids are advantageous.
► We develop a MILP model to design hybrid wind–photovoltaic systems with microgrids.
► The model is tested with realistic size instances, which are efficiently solved.
► The model is applied to real case studies in Peru; results reduce cost by 20–30%.