An optimization model for design and analysis of a renewable energy supply system to the sustainable rural community

The goal of this paper is to present a new optimization framework for design and analysis of a stand-alone energy supply system to rural communities using 100% renewable energy sources (RES). In achieving this goal, we first propose a technology superstructure for energy supply. The superstructure starts from different types of RES which are easily available in rural communities, including solar, wind, organic waste, and lignocellulose biomass. The RESs are processed in multiple technologies to meet energy demands of a rural community (chemical, thermal and electric powers). Using the model we identify the optimal system configuration and practical operational strategies.