Resiliency-Centric Optimization for Microgrid Sizing: A Holistic Approach With Renewable and Hydrogen Energy Infrastructure

This study presents a hybrid optimization framework for the resilient design of microgrids that integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hydrogen-based infrastructure, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage tanks. Addressing limitations in existing sizing methodologies, the proposed approach combines Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to co-optimize distributed energy resources (DERs) with respect to both economic performance and resilience. Unlike conventional PV–BESS microgrids, which offer limited energy autonomy, the inclusion of hydrogen enables long-duration energy storage and cross-sector coupling with transportation, thus extending microgrid operability during prolonged outages. The framework is applied to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) microgrid using year-long, 15-minute resolution load and PV data, a measured power-to-hydrogen electrolyzer efficiency curve, and a recurring weekly hydrogen demand of 60 kg for fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) refueling. Three operating scenarios are evaluated: normal operation, and three-day outages with 50% and 100% critical-load support. The results demonstrate that hydrogen integration enhances system flexibility, reduces reliance on diesel generation, and strengthens microgrid resilience while maintaining economic feasibility, offering a scalable pathway toward zero-emission and autonomous microgrid systems.