Feasibility study of a zero emission PV/Wind turbine/Wave energy converter hybrid system for stand-alone power supply: A case study

Abstract

The use of energy from the sea wave to produce electricity via wave converters is one of the most interesting methods to meet the electrical demand in coastal cities. Hybridization of wave energy with other renewable resources, such as solar, wind, or storage systems, is a reliable way to generate and provide electricity for remote cities. Considering high solar and wind potential and accessibility to three marine areas, including the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, Iran is an appropriate place to exploit hybrid energy systems. In this paper, for the first time, a techno-economic and environmental analysis for a hybrid renewable energy system consisting of Wave Energy Converter/PV/Wind Turbine/Battery is performed aiming to provide electricity for 3000 households in three different locations of Iran (Jask, Genaveh, and Anzali cities). The results indicate that the PV/Wind Turbine/Battery system (with the energy cost of 0.219, 0.233 and 0.242 dollars per kWh for Jask, Genaveh, and Anzali, respectively) is the best option for supplying electricity for 3000 households. Furthermore, according to the sensitivity analysis, Anzali demonstrates a higher potential to employ Pelamis in the optimum system, owing to the higher potential of waves in the Caspian Sea. The cost of energy in the hybrid system with a Pelamis converter is obtained 0.233 $/kWh to 0.348 $/kWh. This indicates greater economic profit and higher power capabilities for off-grid systems, compared to the global cost of wave energy converter systems.