Development of a Cost-effective Solar-Wind-Fuel cell Independent Power Plant for a Remote Base Transceiver Station

Abstract

This paper analyses the performance of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) by comparing it to a standalone diesel generator when both are used independently to power a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) at Sigonde village in Limpopo, South Africa. The comparison is based on energy output, economics and emission of pollutants. The hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER) software was used to simulate and optimize both systems. The objective is to develop a cost-effective HRES that performs better than standalone diesel generator and emits less to zero pollutants. This hybrid power supply system comprises of solar, wind and fuel-cell power sources with a battery back-up pack. Furthermore, the system has zero capacity shortage, zero unmet load and abides by the country's discount rate of 6.75%. The results showed that the best system to power the BTS at Sigonde village is made up of 12.25 kW solar PV capacity, 1 kW wind turbine, 4 kW fuel-cell, 10.5 kWh capacity battery and a 3.75 kW converter. The HRES costs 50% (Net Present Cost and Cost of Energy), emits 80% less pollutions and lastly, has an excess energy of 10079 kWh.