Advanced optimization for sustainable energy management: A case study of microgrid design in Niamey, Niger using the transient search algorithm

In this study, we evaluated three renewable-based microgrid configurations designed to strengthen energy security and long-term sustainability. Configuration 1 integrates a photovoltaic (PV) array and wind turbines (WT) with a battery energy storage system (BESS). Configuration 2 replaces BESS with a hydrogen energy storage system (HESS), offering extended storage capacity and improved energy availability. Configuration 3 combines BESS and HESS, leveraging the advantages of short-term and long-term storage to create a more resilient energy system. The objective function was formulated to minimize the total annual cost (TAC) while optimizing energy generation, storage efficiency, and overall system reliability.…