Grid-connected hybrid renewable energy systems for supermarkets with electric vehicle charging platforms: Optimization and sensitivity analyses

Coupling energy and transport sectors is critical for optimum utilization of renewable energy. The present work proposes a grid-connected photovoltaic/wind/battery hybrid power system to generate electricity for supermarkets. The supermarkets are located at three geographically distinct cities in Morocco and integrate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their parking areas. HOMER grid software is used for the optimal design of the proposed hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) with an accurate utility tariff corresponding to the Moroccan scenario. Dakhla, which is a high windy site, is found to be the best implementation site with maximum renewable energy fraction (REF), minimum COE and operating costs of 71.66%, 0.0841 $/kWh, and 0.124 M$/year, respectively. The optimal grid-connected system consisted of 107 kW pof PV, 300 kW of wind, 12 batteries, and 65 kW capacity inverter for Dakhla site. The next identified best site is Casablanca while Fez remained at third place based on COE and annual operating costs. At all of these sites, the EV charging process is achieved, almost completely, with 7300 charging sessions annually. A series of sensitivity analyses is performed based on supermarket energy intensity, renewable energy availability, and carbon pricing and impact on the viability of HRES was evidenced.