Abstract
This paper evaluates the feasibility of using a hybrid system consisting of wind and tidal turbines connected to a microgrid for power supply to coastal communities that are isolated from a main supply grid. The case study is Stewart Island, where the cost of electricity, provided by a central diesel power station, is higher than the grid network in New Zealand. Local residents believe that reducing the consumption of diesel and having a renewable source of electricity generation are two of the island’s highest priorities. Merging a tidal energy source (predictable) with wind (unpredictable) and diesel (back-up), through a microgrid, may be a way to increase reliability and decrease the cost of generation. Several off-grid configurations are simulated using HOMER and WRPLOT software. Using two wind and four tidal turbines, plus one diesel generator for back-up, is the best design in terms of lower greenhouse gas emissions, higher renewable fraction, and reduced net present cost.
Highlights
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook report, one in six people in the world lack access to electricity
This paper models the integration of two available offshore renewable energies, wind and tidal, using a microgrid with the aim to avoid the detrimental effects of diesel on the environment and decrease the cost of electricity in a remote off-grid community
SelectionIsland is selected as a case study to evaluate the feasibility of a hybrid sy consisting wind and tidal connected tothe a microgrid powersystem supply to rem Island is selected as turbines a case study to evaluate feasibility offor a hybrid coastal communities that are isolated from nationalforsupply grid
Summary
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook report, one in six people in the world lack access to electricity. This paper models the integration of two available offshore renewable energies, wind and tidal, using a microgrid with the aim to avoid the detrimental effects of diesel on the environment and decrease the cost of electricity in a remote off-grid community. The novelty of the paper, with respect to the state of the art, is the use of tidal energy in order to enhance the overall efficiency of the microgrid while preserving its stability. This issue is of particular interest for diesel-based island microgrids that face, constantly, the issues of reducing their dependency from fossil fuels and of enhancing the quality of their supply, by reducing voltage drops and power losses
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