Hybrid Wind-Solar Energy Systems with Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Storage Optimization

Abstract

Hybrid renewable energy systems combining wind and solar generation with battery storage are essential for reliable grid integration, but optimal sizing and dispatch strategies remain computationally challenging. We present a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) framework coupled with vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) degradation modeling to optimize hybrid wind-solar-VRFB systems for three grid-connected microgrids in Inner Mongolia, Rajasthan, and Patagonia. The optimized configurations achieve renewable energy fractions of 78-92% with levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.048-0.062/kWh. VRFB systems sized at 4-6 hours of rated power provide superior cycle-life economics compared to lithium-ion alternatives for daily energy shifting, with projected 20-year capacity retention of 85% versus 62% for LiFePO₄ under equivalent cycling profiles.