Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Energy System for Rural Electrification for the Hasik Area, Oman

Abstract

Renewable energy resources have become the best way to solve the issues created by traditional power resources in terms of environmental effects, energy cost reduction, and high-power demand. The hybrid-based system gives a realistic economic solution where grid extension is non-feasible especially for remote areas. The main objective of this study is to determine the optimum size of a hybrid-based system to fulfill the requirements of remote sites located in the Hasik area in the southern part of Oman. The work is carried out using HOMER Pro and MATLAB software. The proposed hybrid system in the Hasik network is a combination of PV systems with existing diesel generation. Real load data as well as solar radiations were utilized in the proposed model. HOMER selected an optimum solution for the hybrid system resulting in a combination of a 2,500 kW PV system and 3,100 kW diesel generation as well as providing a reduction in the cost of energy and CO2 emissions by 13% and 22%, respectively. The optimum PV sizing for the hybrid system was determined using a genetic algorithm tool in MATLAB. The optimization was based on reducing the system power losses, improving the voltage profile, and minimizing cost. Optimization verification was done using load flow analysis by MATLAB to determine the PV sizing effects on the system power losses and voltage profile. Based on the model results, the hybrid system is feasible in the Hasik area.