Optimal Sizing and Techno-Economic Analysis of Battery Energy Storage System for Peak Shaving and Voltage Profile Improvement on a Rural Distribution Network
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64470/elene.2026.1019Keywords:
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Net Present Value (NPV), Non-Wires Alternative (NWA), System Advisor Model (SAM)Abstract
Distribution networks are increasingly strained by peak load demands and voltage regulation problems. This paper benchmarks Particle Swarm Optimization, Boda-Boda Optimization, and Adaptive Boda-Boda Optimization Algorithm with Fuzzy Logic (ABBOA-Fuzzy) to size and site Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a Non-Wires Alternative for rural 11kV feeder support. Baseline analysis of the feeder indicated a peak load of 99.6%, and a voltage drop to 0.936 p.u. The optimization process demonstrated the superiority of the ABBOA-Fuzzy algorithm, which converged faster. The optimized solution guided the selection of a commercially available 400kW/1200kWh BESS which reduced peak demand by 15.5% and raised the minimum voltage to 0.952 p.u. A 15-year techno-economic analysis using the System Advisor Model, accounting for battery degradation confirmed the economic viability with a Net Present Value of $43,643 and an Internal Rate of Return of 15.54%. The study recommends this framework for utility BESS planning.
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Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, Mwene Job Omambia, upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2025 J.O. Mwene, CM Muriithi, IN Muisyo
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