Optimal Design of a Standalone Hybrid Energy System for a COVID-19 Quarantine Center Energization

Abstract This work is motivated by the need to overcome the electricity crises in Gaza that is initiated in Gaza due to political reasons. In addition, it is related to current situation in the world in particular the spread of COVID-19. Building quarantine centers is one of the most important means used in combating the Corona epidemic, but connecting these centers to the electricity distribution network at the appropriate time is not always possible and increases the burden on the local utility company. This paper proposed a Hybrid off-grid Energy System (HES) to effectively energies the quarantine centers economically and environmentally. To achieve this aim, the load profile of the quarantine center is estimated, the system components are modeled and the system design is optimized. In addition, the developed approach was tested using a real case study considering realistic input data. HOMER-pro program is used to simulate and optimize the system design. The results revealed the potential of the HES to provide environment-friendly, cost-effective, and affordable electricity for the studied quarantine center, as compared to only diesel generators system. For the considered case study, it is found that the PV-Wind-Diesel hybrid power system is able to cover the connected load with the lowest cost in comparison to other possible HES structures. It also environmentally friendly as it has the least harmful emissions. Finally, it is proved that the developed approach gives a reasonable solution to the decision-makers to find a fast, economic and reliable solution to energies the quarantine centers.