Abstract
Hybrid energy systems (HESs) generate electricity from multiple energy sources that complement each other. Recently, due to the reduction in costs of photovoltaic (PV) modules and wind turbines, these types of systems have become economically competitive. In this study, a mathematical programming model is applied to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of autonomous units located in two isolated areas of Ecuador: first, the province of Galapagos (subtropical island) and second, the province of Morona Santiago (Amazonian tropical forest). The two case studies suggest that HESs are potential solutions to reduce the dependence of rural villages on fossil fuels and viable mechanisms to bring electrical power to isolated communities in Ecuador. Our results reveal that not only from the economic but also from the environmental point of view, for the case of the Galapagos province, a hybrid energy system with a PV–wind–battery configuration and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) equal to 0.36 $/kWh is the optimal energy supply system. For the case of Morona Santiago, a hybrid energy system with a PV–diesel–battery configuration and an LCOE equal to 0.37 $/kWh is the most suitable configuration to meet the load of a typical isolated community in Ecuador. The proposed optimization model can be used as a decision-support tool for evaluating the viability of autonomous HES projects at any other location.
Highlights
Today, the world faces unprecedented environmental and economic challenges due to the unsustainable use of natural resources
Two case studies were carried out using data from sites located in the provinces of (i) Morona Santiago and (ii) Galapagos, Ecuador
The results show that a diesel–PV–wind–battery system leads to the lowest value of levelized cost of energy (LCOE)
Summary
The world faces unprecedented environmental and economic challenges due to the unsustainable use of natural resources. The growth of the world population, the rising global energy demand, the depletion of conventional energy sources, and the volatility of fossil fuel prices have triggered the enthusiastic search for new alternative energy sources [1]. Renewable energy sources (RESs) have become an essential and promising option to face the abovementioned challenges [2,3,4]. In the last two decades, researchers, decision-makers, and industry leaders have prioritized the technological development and widespread deployment of low-carbon energy technologies [5]. Despite the advantages of renewable energy technologies, the generation of electricity from RESs presents numerous challenges to their deployment, including policy barriers, technological barriers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
