A hybrid power system using wind and diesel generator: a case study at Masirah Island in Oman

Abstract

This paper presents the cost reduction of electricity generation using a hybrid system on an Island network in the Sultanate of Oman. A case study has been carried out for Masirah Island having an installed capacity of about 9 MW of diesel generators. Load characteristics of the island are considered to determine the necessary demand to be met by the hybrid system. A wind turbine model is developed to determine the potential of mechanical power available for wind generators at Masirah Island based on its daily wind speed profile. The cost of wind and diesel power generation is determined by considering three factors viz. capital cost, running cost and maintenance cost. Ten 900-kW wind turbine units are considered for wind power generation. The case study shows that overall cost of electricity generation by the proposed hybrid system is considerably less compared to the cost of diesel generation alone. The paper also addresses the benefits of the wind-diesel hybrid system in terms of the reduction in carbon emission, and outlines other benefits of the proposed scheme relating to providing power to isolated communities as verified by Masirah Island.