Low-cost Building Integrated Renewables through General Algebraic Modelling System

Distributed generation takes advantage of small on-site renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal and wave energies) deployed at individual houses to provide electrical energy. In this way, electricity will be generated more efficiently especially by reducing demand peaks. In this paper, the electrical energy balance of a typical residential building is modeled. The grid-connected house is also in connection with a hybrid wind turbine and photovoltaic array together with a battery storage system. The cost of electricity purchased from the electrical grid was optimized to its minimum level using general algebraic modelling system. The results showed that, considering a load profile with 21.675  for daily consumption, a 3  PV array with a 2  wind turbine and a 5  battery could save 96% of the monthly electricity bill; from 2’377 to 66’960 dollars. Excluding battery storage, this saving was reduced to 74%.