Pico‐hydel hybrid power generation system with an open well energy storage

Abstract

This study proposes an approach for off-grid micro-hybrid system model to represent the locally available sustainable and renewable energy sources (RESs). This model is comprised of wind and solar energy as primary sources along with a pumped storage unit (PSU) as backup. The proposed PSU is modelled with pico-hydro turbines (PHTs) and an open well. The ground water in the open well is effectively utilised along with agriculture and domestic needs in rural areas. The depth of the open well is exploited as the working head for the PHT. The power dispatch of two PHTs at a constant operating head, using the standard lambda iteration method, is obtained ensuring optimal utilisation of the stored water. The performance of the proposed model is tested using solar irradiance and wind speed data during winter and rainy seasons. The ratio of expected input energy and load demand on the succeeding day is used to control the water discharge on the current day. This model taps the unused potential of the open well as an energy storage system. Thereby, it limits the usage of batteries in satisfying the basic load demand of domestic consumers who do not have access to grid electricity.