Optimization Analysis of Hybrid Power Plants by Utilizing Renewable Energy Resources in the Ulunambo Isolation System in Menui Islands, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Optimization of the use of power plants in the Ulunambo system by utilizing renewable energy sources (solar energy and wind energy) using an analysis of the right generation combination and considering the benefits from an economic and technical perspective. In line with PLN (State Electricity Company) transformation through one of its main aspirations, namely green, PLN has several strategies to encourage the use of new and renewable energy. The Ulunambo Electricity System is isolated in the Menui Islands region, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province which supplies electricity for about 12 hours every day comes from a diesel plant (PLTD Ulunambo) with a system capacity of 479 kW and a peak load of 400 kW. The analysis was carried out using the HOMER Pro application by entering data on the ulunambo system loading, economy, components used, fuel costs and transportation services, generation, and potential of renewable energy sources obtained using the NASA database. Based on the simulation, optimal results are obtained on a 24-hour system operation and are not a priority for a 12-hour system operation. The use of renewable energy in the Ulunambo system also reduces environmental emissions caused by diesel generators by 33%, thereby reducing the risk of pollution around the PLTD Ulunambo environment adjacent to residential areas. The use of wind power plants is not a priority for the scenario because wind energy sources in the Menui Islands tend to be unstable with an average annual wind speed of 4.07 m/s at an altitude of 50 meters.