Comparison between simulation software tools for RES: Sizing and performance evaluation of solar water pumping power system as case study

In developing nations like Egypt, a solar PV-based water-pumping facility is affordable. A comparison of different simulation software tools for renewable energy systems is presented here. This study examines remote solar water pumping systems in the climate-sensitive Egyptian region, accounting for variables such as site location, system size, and performance. The remote location in southern Egypt (Fayoum town) provides the data inputs. When designing and evaluating the performance of a solar water pumping system, technical, economic, and environmental factors are considered. Homer (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables) Pro and iHoga (enhanced hybrid optimization genetic algorithm) software are used to build and simulate the power system required to meet this energy demand. The monitoring system’s collected data indicates that the highest daily water volume was 726 m ³ . Based on solar yield, pump efficiency, energy losses, and performance ratio (PR), a comparison of the four regions is carried out. Solar water pumping system (SWPS) employing HOMER has an average monthly electric output power of roughly 0.6 MWh. For HOMER and iHoga, energy production is around 2000 kWh and 1800 kWh, respectively, while excess energy is 600 kWh and 500 kWh, respectively. The analysis cost of the suggested SWPs is split as follows: 65% for batteries, 10.5% for inverters, and 24.5% for photovoltaic systems. For HOMER, the net present cost is 52,000 USD, and for I Hoga, it is 72,000 USD. For HOMER and iHOGA, the energy costs are 0.185 and 0.221 per kWh, respectively. According to two simulation analyses, the performance ratio ranges from 59% to 70%, and the overall pump efficiency ranges from 57% to 66%. From an environmental perspective, this proposed SWPS avoided 250 kg of CO ₂ annually when using iHoga and 300 kg of CO2 annually when using HOMER. HOMER is the most dependable and effective simulation software for this proposed SWPS, and the results help make policy decisions on where to locate the optimal solar pumping station based on climate conditions, especially in rural settlements.