Optimization of Hybrid Solar PV and Diesel Generator System for an Efficient Electricity Supply

Abstract

The operation and maintenance cost associated with running diesel generator autonomously is capital intensive and unfriendly to the environmentally. The paper examined hybrid diesel generator and solar (PV) based technology as an effective way to power an off grid facility. Solar PV integration impacted significantly on the energy production, thereby reducing the high operation and maintenance cost associated with diesel generator. Two scenarios were considered and implemented in HOMER software. The result obtained in the base case scenario when diesel generator was used shows [Cost of Energy: N0.712], [Net Profit Cost: N39.7M], [Operating Cost: N2.99M], [Fuel Cost: 1,857,800] and [O & M: N551880]. Also, the GHG emission [CO2:4863006Kg/yr], [CO:30.654kg/yr], [Unburned Hydrocarbon: 3,650kg/yr], [Particle matters: 507kg/yr], [Sulphur dioxide: 26811kg/yr], and [Nitrogen oxides: 78586kg/yr]. However, with the modified system, when diesel generator and PV system are integrated [Cost of Energy: N0.378], [Net Profit Cost: N21.1M], [Operating Cost: N886527M], [Fuel Cost: 530,555] and [O & M: N144, 660]. Similarly, the GHG emission [CO2: 1388788Kg/yr], [CO: 8,754kg/yr], [Unburned Hydrocarbon: 382kg/yr], [Particle matters: 53.1kg/yr], [Sulphur dioxide: 3,401kg/yr], and [Nitrogen oxides: 8224kg/yr]. Solar PV integration impacted significantly in mitigating GHG emission and high O&M cost associated with autonomous operation of diesel generator set.