Comparison of Thermal, Flywheel and Supercapacitor Energy Storage for an African Microgrid

Abstract

Due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems are required to meet the demands of consumers when conditions for power generation is not optimum, with respect to, the energy generation systems used. The purpose of this study is to establish the ideal energy storage system to meet the demands of an African microgrid, where an African Microgrid is described as a microgrid using energy sources and man-power indigenous to Africa. There are many benefits that microgrids yield over traditional central grids. Central grids consist of a series of networks which connects consumers to energy suppliers, however when the energy supplier fails to supply energy, many consumers are affected. A microgrid, which may or may not be connected to the central grid, serves a smaller number of consumers than the traditional central grid, however, should a fault occur in the power generation or distribution process, fewer people will be affected. These advantages become ideal in areas where storms are prevalent and the microgrid can disconnect from the main grid, using its respective means of energy production to serve its designated consumers. Microgrids are also able to produce energy via means of generators, renewable resources and batteries. This paper will compare thermal, flywheel and supercapacitor energy storage systems. These systems will be coupled to a power generation system that serves communityof100households, with a daily use of5kWh, in the country with the lowest electrification rate in Burundi. The energy storage systems will be modeled using HOMER where the variables such as, nominal capacities, overall efficiencies, lifespan, energy input and output, and cost will be measured and compared. The energy storage system with the greatest attributes, with respect to the variables mentioned, will be deemed the ideal energy storage mechanism for an African Microgrid.