Simulation of Microgrid Operation for the Evaluation of Economic, Technical, and Environmental Performances: The Case of Urban Application in Algeria

Clean and renewable energy sources have been traditionally considered as a cost effective alternative for energy generation in remote areas since they are more economically viable than grid extensions. Nowadays, their integration in urban areas has become a key requirement to improve the reliability of the existing utility grid and to solve emissions and climate change issues. The present paper deals with the design, the optimization, and the economic viability of an urban microgrid intended to meet electrical needs of a typical load and under real meteorological conditions. In addition, a comparative study of different configurations of the microgrid (PV, wind, Diesel generator, batteries, grid) based on the analysis of the three criteria including reliability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability has been proposed to analyze the operational strategy and to control the power flow between the system components.