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This paper focuses on hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) as an alternative for conventional energy systems, especially fossil fuels. The problem is to find the optimal number of components of a standalone hybrid system, based on minimizing the value of the annualized cost of the system (ACS), in the presence of the constraints. To reduce the CO2 particles as one of the most threatening particles for the planet, an additional constraint is added to the objective function. For solving the problem of system sizing, Harmony Search and Ring Theory-based Evolutionary Algorithm have drawn attention to be preferred to numerous techniques. In addition,a combination of both, which has never been used before, is proposed. The proposed hybrid algorithm shows its ability to mitigate both the emissions and costs of the system promisingly in comparison with the others. Clearly, with Carbond = 15 and different values of LPSPMax as well as using RTHS, RTEA and HS algorithms for PV/WT/BSS/DG configuration, the best performance in terms of ACS minimization belongs to RTHS algorithm with the minimum cost of $1528.2. Also, considering LPSP = 0 and changing carbon from 0 to 20 tons/year, the ACS of the PV/WT/BSS/DG configuration is reduced from $38586.3 to $21153.5 (45% reduction). • Using a hybrid algorithm called RTHS to minimize the annual costs of the system. • Considering the LPSP constraint to supply the load demand at an acceptant level. • Reducing CO 2 emissions to increase the renewables penetration. • Considering uncertainty on both the generation and demand sides. • Validating of the proposed method based on real data for a case study in Iran.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health centers and hospitals can be categorized as one of the major consumers of electrical energy in building sectors. Due to their competitive environment, they need to decrease their costs, including energy costs. On the other hand, environmental problems, lack of fossil fuels, and high energy consumption lead to using alternative energy generation methods like renewable energy sources (RESs). In this paper, we consider that the hospital can produce part of its energy from RESs for cost reduction and we implement demand dispatch energy program for using RESs efficiently. The challenge is that the main goal of hospital is providing health services not energy cost reduction. Therefore, we present a bi-objective formulation for using RESs in hospitals in a way to minimize costs and dissatisfaction by scheduling the activities of the hospital by considering hospital's specific constraints and limitations. With the help of the proposed model, hospitals will decrease energy costs while maintaining comfort of patients and surgeons at the same time. The model is solved using real data of a hospital in Iran, and sensitivity analysis on different parameters is done. The proposed model will cause reduction in energy cost of the hospital by implementing demand dispatch program for using RESs in the hospital. • Health centers are considered as a new type of energy consumers. • Wind turbines and solar panels are used for energy generation in hospitals. • Activities are scheduled in a way to minimize the cost and the dissatisfaction of patients and surgeons. • The limitations of hospitals are considered in the mathematical model. • The proposed model reduces energy use in peak hours and shifts the loads to time periods with renewable energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper investigates the potential of renewable energies utilization in detail through three in-house developed strategies to increase the renewable power generation share until the year 2050 assuming either an optimistic 100% or a practical 50% based on the national policies. Solar, wind, and waste energy are the most feasible alternative energy resources in Iran. In the first strategy, power plants are phased out according to their lifetime and replaced by renewable resources in 5-year time steps. The second strategy employs a 3% replacement rate to reach a 100% renewable power generation in 2050. In the third strategy, the national plan of the power ministry is utilized to adopt a more practical pathway for increasing the renewable power generation share up to 50%. Pollution and water shortage crises are also considered within the framework of this study. The following work can lay the foundation for future studies of its kind in Iran as well as other countries all over the world. Developing the presented results can lead to the practical implementation of the study, which will vastly benefit the residents. Moreover, it will provide a great investment opportunity for foreign and domestic companies working on the field. Highlights • Approach applied to renewable penetration in the power system of Iran. • Three strategies are proposed for transition to 100% renewable. • The storage cost for three scenarios for the year 2050 are calculated. • The storage problem was addressed for various regions of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]