Is it possible to model hybrid power systems in SAM? For example, a system that combines PV, biomass gasification, and wind?
No. SAM models single technology systems.
However, you can use the Combine Cases macro to model a project that consists of separate power systems (modeled as separeate cases in SAM) with a single financial model. This approach assumes that each system delivers all of the electricity it generates to the grid rather than dispatching power based on a control strategy.
UPDATE: As of SAM 2021.12.02, the Combine Cases macro is replaced by the Calculate generation profiles and namelpate capacity from open cases option on the Power Plant page for the Generic System model and Generic Battery model. See the SAM YouTube channel for a
short tutorial
.
To run the macro, start SAM and create a case, then click
Macros in the lower left corner of the main window and click
Combine Cases in the list of macros. The macro's instructions explain how to set up your SAM file with a case for each system, and case for the financial model inputs.
RETScreen and HOMER are two models that I am aware can model hybrid power systems.
Best regards,
Paul.
