Abstract
Community-based off-grid polygeneration plants based on micro-hydropower are a practical solution to provide clean energy and other essential utilities for rural areas with access to suitable rivers. Such plants can deliver co-products such as purified water and ice for refrigeration, which can improve standards of living in such remote locations. Although polygeneration gives advantages with respect to system efficiency, the interdependencies of the integrated process units may come as a potential disadvantage, due to susceptibility to cascading failures when one of the system components is partially or completely inoperable. In the case of a micro-hydropower-based polygeneration plant, a drought may reduce electricity output, which can, in turn, reduce the level of utilities available for use by the community. The study proposes a fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming model for the optimal operational adjustment of an off-grid micro-hydropower-based polygeneration plant seeking to maximize the satisfaction levels of the community utility demands, which are represented as fuzzy constraints. Three case studies are considered to demonstrate the developed model. The use of a diesel generator for back-up power is considered as an option to mitigate inoperability during extreme drought conditions.
Highlights
In developing countries, high priority is given to providing access to clean electricity and other essential utilities in remote communities [1]
This study develops an fuzzy mixed-integer linear programming (FMILP) model for the optimal operational adjustment of a micro-hydropower-based polygeneration system for off-grid communities
The polygeneration system produces electricity, purified water, and ice, which are the basic needs of micro-hydropower-based polygeneration system under varying drought intensity scenarios
Summary
High priority is given to providing access to clean electricity and other essential utilities in remote communities [1]. A generic decision support software was developed by Khalilpour and Vassallo [28] for the optimal design of a polygeneration system for off-grid distributed generation and storage system Neither of these studies incorporated micro-hydropower plants as a technology option. In the case of a polygeneration plant for a remote community, it is necessary to consider the demand for each product separately, depending on the needs of the inhabitants This aspect is addressed in this work using fuzzy optimization using the approach developed by Zimmerman [29]. This study develops an FMILP model for the optimal operational adjustment of a micro-hydropower-based polygeneration system for off-grid communities.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
