Combined operation, modeling and life cycle assessment of a generic hybrid power system installed in Crete

In this work the energy modeling and the life cycle analysis of a generic hybrid power system (HPS) installed in the island of Crete, Greece is presented. The studied system comprises a cogeneration system (CG), photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines (WT). Two cases (i.e. autonomous or grid-connected operation) have been examined, while the life time operation period of the system was assumed to 25 years. The main aim of this study is to determine the optimal sizing of this generic HPS aiming at the highest performance and the lowest environmental impacts and operating costs. A second objective is to analyze the life cycle of the HPS in order to highlight the anticipated environmental impacts throughout its lifetime and to draw general conclusions for the viability of such systems especially in islands. The energy performance of the studied HPS was modeled using HOMER while the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was implemented in SimaPro.