Energy demand supply of small-scale medical centers in epidemic conditions of Covid-19 with hybrid renewable resources

Abstract

The energy supply of healthcare facilities is of great importance under different circumstances. In this study, supplying the energy of a clinic using maximum renewable resources under normal and crisis conditions is examined. This paper is novel in that it designs an energy system specifically for times of crisis. The proposed clinic is located in two different regions in Iran. This paper considers a solar panel, wind turbine, battery, inverter, and controller for electricity generation from renewable resources, a steam boiler for heating needs, and a diesel generator as a backup system. Scenarios, including changes in the type of controller and the price of different parts, were examined. In the optimal scenario, where the clinic is in normal conditions in terms of patient acceptance, the net present cost and cost of energy were estimated to be $2.57 million and 0.0606 $/kWh for Rasht, and $3.09 million and 0.0732 $/kWh for Shiraz, respectively. In a new scenario, in a critical time of the COVID-19 outbreak, the net present cost and cost of energy were calculated to be $4.29 million and 0.0608$/kWh for Rasht, and $5.31 million and 0.0755 $/kWh for Shiraz, respectively. Also the clinic will generate an annual income of $0.12 million by selling excess energy produced in this scenario during normal conditions.