Study On Renewable Energy Systems for Rural Electrification

Dispatch strategies based performance analysis of a hybrid renewable energy system for a remote rural area in India

Techno-economic analysis of long-duration energy storage and flexible power generation technologies to support high-variable renewable energy grids

Integrated sizing of hybrid PV-wind-battery system for remote island considering the saturation of each renewable energy resource

By creating hybrid energy systems and obtaining a framework that equally satisfies a continuous operation for renewable energy technology, this study presents renewable and sustainable energy options as an integral method to energy transitioning from non-renewable to renewable energy utilization in Cross River State, Nigeria. For a needed load of 2424.25 kWh/day in Cross River State, this study focused on proposing a designed hybrid energy system (HES) nexus, mitigating CO2, and appraisal of the technical and economic viability. To accomplish this, HOMER software was utilized in simulating the ideal components that suggested a HES nexus. The software enabled the selection of the optimal HES using various renewable energy sources since it predicts future electrical demand, wind speed, solar irradiation, and temperature. Economic results obtained showed that the proposed HES's Levelized cost of energy (LCOE), net present cost (NPC), and operating cost (OC) were $0.89/kWh, $10,138,702 and $134,084.37 respectively. Further technical appraisal showed that the renewable energy conversion systems (RECs) make up 78.74% of the proposed HES. The photovoltaic (PV) arrays were primarily responsible for the hybrid energy system's electricity output. The annual electrical energy output was 1,984,111kWh (89.4%), produced by the PV arrays. The generic fuel cell produced the least, at 29,957kWh/year, accounting for just 1.35% of the total electricity produced. However, the wind power plant produced 205,365kWh/year annually. Furthermore, comparing the HES with diesel-powered generators, the system achieves a net-zero carbon emission status. Therefore, it has proven to be the most reliable energy as it will solve the problem of energy demand and reduces carbon emissions in Cross River State, Nigeria

Renewable energy systems are at the core of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to combat climate change. Focusing on the role of energy storage in enhancing dependability and efficiency, this paper investigates the design and optimization of a completely sustainable hybrid energy system. Furthermore, hybrid storage systems have been used to evaluate their viability and cost-benefits. Examined under a 100% renewable energy microgrid framework, three setup configurations are as follows: (1) photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage System (BSS), (2) Hybrid PV/Wind Turbine (WT)/BSS, and (3) Integrated PV/WT/BSS/Electrolyzer/Hydrogen Tank/Fuel Cell (FC). Using its geographical solar irradiance and wind speed data, this paper inspires on an industrial community in Neom, Saudi Arabia. HOMER software evaluates technical and economic aspects, net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (COE), and operating costs. The results indicate that the PV/BSS configuration offers the most sustainable solution, with a net present cost (NPC) of $2.42M and a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.112/kWh, achieving zero emissions. However, it has lower reliability, as validated by the provided LPSP. In contrast, the PV/WT/BSS/Elec/FC system, with a higher NPC of $2.30M and LCOE of $0.106/kWh, provides improved energy dependability. The PV/WT/BSS system, with an NPC of $2.11M and LCOE of $0.0968/kWh, offers a slightly lower cost but does not provide the same level of reliability. The surplus energy has been implemented for hydrogen production. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of uncertainties in renewable resource availability and economic parameters. The results demonstrate significant variability in system performance across different scenarios.

The Value of Inter-Regional Coordination and Transmission in Decarbonizing the US Electricity System

The energy demand is increasing day by day, and fossil fuels are depleting; it is necessary to tap the untapped renewable energy to meet the increasing energy demand. For effective utilization of renewable energy, it is imperative to design and develop the community-level microgrids. Thus, this paper intends the optimal design of a community-level microgrid for available load at BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India. The proposed microgrid consists of hybrid renewable energy sources, such as solar PV, wind turbine, battery storage, and diesel generator. To maintain the reliability of the power supply and to meet the peak load demand during the peak load hours, a diesel generator is proposed. The proposed microgrid is modeled, optimized, and simulated by using the hybrid optimization model for multiple energy resources (HOMER). The levelized cost of energy (LCOE), the net present cost (NPC), and operating cost (OC) are considered for the economic analysis and modeling of microgrid. In autonomous mode, the LCOE, NPC, and OC are estimated as 0.319 $/kWh (22.33 ₹/kWh), $4881,583 (₹341,710,810), and $12,519.34 (₹876,353.8) while in grid-connected mode, the LCOE, NPC, and OC are estimated as 0.0534 $/kWh (3.738 ₹/kWh), $128,621 (₹9,003,470), and $144.84(₹10,138.8), respectively. Further optimum size of the proposed microgrid is also presented. Furthermore, the obtained results are compared with existing models and found that the designed system is superior in terms of cost and sizing.

The world's attention is now focused on the growing need to diversify energy sources. Saudi Arabia has the natural stress to take the trait of the huge opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The purpose of this study is to analyze the utilization of the solar, wind and biomass energy in a standalone hybrid power generation system for pastoral electrification in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. To achieve this target, four standalone systems have been introduced which are, PV/Wind, PV/Biomass, Wind/Biomass, and Pt//Wind/Biomass system. Various groups of wind turbines, PV solar systems, and biomass generator are simulated, modeled and optimized to define the ultimate energy dynamic and estimate-effective arrangement for the studied territory. HOMER computer package has been applied to carry out the techno-economic feasibility of the introduced projects, considering the Net Present Cost (NPC), and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) as frugal points.

IntroductionThe integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the power network challenges the 1) grid capacity, 2) stability, and 3) management. This is due to the 1) increased peak demand, 2) infrastructure strain, and 3) intermittent charging patterns. Previous studies lack comprehensive integration of renewable energy and battery storage with EV charging.MethodsTo address these challenges, this study explores the effectiveness of incorporating renewable energy resources (RERs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) alongside the traditional grid. The proposed study utilizes the HOMER Grid® and conducted a comprehensive analysis.ResultsThe proposed study compares two grid integrated scenarios: 1) Case-1 (grid and photovoltaic (PV) systems), and 2) Case-2 (grid, PV systems, and BESS). Both these scenarios are compared against a Base case relying solely on grid power. The evaluation employed techno-economic analysis while focusing on 1) net present cost (NPC), 2) cost of energy, and 3) annualized savings. Additionally, the proposed study analyzed 4) seasonal variations in EV charging demand, 5) grid interactions, 6) PV production, and 7) the operation of BESS in both summer and winter. The comparative analysis reveals that the Base case incurs a net present cost (NPC) of $546,977 and a cost of energy (COE) of $0.354 per kWh. In contrast, Case-1, which integrates a 100 kW PV system, shows a significantly lower NPC of -$122,962 and a reduced COE of -$0.043 per kWh, with annualized savings of $61,492. Case-2, incorporating both the 100 kW PV system and a BESS with a capacity of 9.8 kWh, has a higher NPC of $309,667 but a COE of $0.112 per kWh and provides annual savings of $51,233 compared to the Base case.DiscussionSeasonal analysis highlights that Case-2 achieves the lowest carbon emissions in summer, ranging from 2.0 to 2.5 tons, while Case-1 shows the lowest emissions in winter, ranging from 3.2 to 3.4 tons. This model 1) reduces operational costs, 2) minimizes carbon emissions, while 3) making it compelling for future energy systems in increasing EV adoption.

Adopting hybrid power systems to provide access to clean, reliable, and inexpensive energy is necessary for countries like India to accomplish their goals of sustainable development. This work proposes an optimization approach for sizing a grid‐connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that includes photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, and a battery. In this research, a recently developed Aquila optimization algorithm is utilized to evaluate the optimal size of HRES for a cluster of villages near Sarai Jairam, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, India using the MATLAB software package. The goal of this optimization approach is to reduce the net present cost for HRES while satisfying the operational constraints, including the reliability of the power supply and maximum utilization of the photovoltaic, biomass, and biogas complementary properties. Initially, three HRES configurations in the off‐grid mode were optimized using the suggested Aquila optimization technique. To confirm the findings, the optimization results for the same models of off‐grid HRES were obtained using the harmony search (HS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. The same algorithms were also used to optimize the grid‐connected SPV/biomass/biogas with the battery model of HRES. Finally, the outcomes from the off‐grid models presented above were compared to the grid‐linked model. The grid‐connected configuration which is obtained by the Aquila optimization approach provides an optimal solution with the least net present cos t (NPC) and minimum cost of energy (COE) when compared with HS and PSO. The optimal grid‐connected HRES includes 235 kW of PV, a 10 kW biogas generator, a 64 kW biomass generator, and a 50.40 kWh battery bank. The overall net present cost and the COE are found to be $547 670 and $0.0768/kWh, respectively.

Today, the off-grid Integrated Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) is considered to be an ambitious source of electrical power due to its technological, economic, and environmental benefits. Optimal integration of renewable energy resources has been found the most viable option for powering of stand-alone remote rural area in Karnataka. This study presents Demand Side Management (DSM)-based techno-economic analysis under Load Following (LF), Cycle Charging (CC), and Combined Dispatch (CD) strategies with Lead Acid (LA) and Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Strategic conservation and peak shifting DSM methods are considered in the present work for evaluating the optimal hybrid system using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER®). The optimization results of the LA, Li-Ion batteries-based HRES are compared with and without DSM using two different configurations. From the results, it is observed that the Li-Ion battery-based photovoltaic (PV)/Micro Hydro Power (MHP)/battery (BT) HRES under CD strategy gives the optimal solution. The corresponding net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) are found to be as $3,14,079 and 0.103 $/kWh, respectively. The implementation of DSM saves 33% in NPC and 0.003 $/kWh in COE, respectively. Further, a sensitivity analysis has also been carried out to evaluate the effect of input parameters such as fuel cost, PV cost, battery cost, and load demand on NPC, COE, and renewable fraction (RF).

This paper explores several possible hybridized techniques to supply electrical energy at remote locations where the utility grid extension is found uneconomical. In this work, diesel-generator (DG) is combined with the various renewable energy resources (RES) and multiple storage facilities, such as (i) proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and hydrogen energy storage (HES), (ii) PEMFC, HES, and Solar PV, and (iii) HES, Solar PV, PEMFC, HES, and battery storage system (BSS), respectively, to achieve the best hybrid solution to supply electrical power in remotely located area efficiently. The Homer Pro software developed by the national renewable energy laboratory is used in this paper for conducting the proposed analysis. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem to minimize the cost and greenhouse gas emissions. Three performance indices or objective functions, namely net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and unmet load, have been evaluated for these three hybridizations to determine the best alternative to overcome the energy crunch, which is existing especially in remotely located area. The comparative analysis of the estimated performance parameters has revealed that the hybridization of DG with Solar PV, PEMFC, HES, & BSS provides smaller values of NPC (in US $), LCOE (in US $/kWh), and unmet load. Furthermore, hybridization of DG with Solar PV, PEMFC, HES, & BSS results in the lowest pollutant emission with zero unmet loads and energy wastage. Therefore, in this study, hybridization of DG, Solar PV, PEMFC, HES, & BSS is recommended as the best alternative to supply electrical power efficiently and economically to remote areas. In this stand-alone work mode of operation of DG is considered as a reference system and named ‘Combination 1’. The LCOE and NPC of the best suitable HPS are obtained as 0.50193 US $/kWh and 35200000 US $, respectively. As a result, the system's emission is reduced by 94% compared with the base case (combination 1).

Quantitative techno-economic comparison of a photovoltaic/wind hybrid power system with different energy storage technologies for electrification of three remote areas in Cameroon using Cuckoo search algorithm

In recent years, several factors such as environmental pollution, declining fossil fuel supplies, and product price volatility have led to most countries investing in renewable energy sources. In particular, the development of photovoltaic (PV) microgrids, which can be standalone, off-grid connected or grid-connected, is seen as one of the most viable solutions that could help developing countries such as Rwanda to minimize problems related to energy shortage. The country’s current electrification rate is estimated to be 59.7%, and hydropower remains Rwanda’s primary source of energy (with over 43.8% of its total energy supplies) despite advances in solar technology. In order to provide affordable electricity to low-income households, the government of Rwanda has pledged to achieve 48% of its overal electrification goals from off-grid solar systems by 2024. In this paper, we develop a cost-effective power generation model for a solar PV system to power households in rural areas in Rwanda at a reduced cost. A performance comparison between a single household and a microgrid PV system is conducted by developing efficient and low-cost off-grid PV systems. The battery model for these two systems is 1.6 kWh daily load with 0.30 kW peak load for a single household and 193.05 kWh/day with 20.64 kW peak load for an off-grid PV microgrid. The hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software is used to determine the system size and its life cycle cost including the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and net present cost (NPC) for each of these power generation models. The analysis shows that the optimal system’s NPC, LCOE, electricity production, and operating cost are estimated to 1,166,898.0 USD, 1.28 (USD/kWh), 221, and 715.0 (kWh per year, 37,965.91 (USD per year), respectively, for microgrid and 9284.4(USD), 1.23 (USD/kWh), and 2426.0 (kWh per year, 428.08 (USD per year), respectively, for a single household (standalone). The LCOE of a standalone PV system of an independent household was found to be cost-effective compared with a microgrid PV system that supplies electricity to a rural community in Rwanda.

This paper illustrates techno-economic analysis on hybrid energy systems for a remote community near Gulbarga in Karnataka state, India, which is blessed with the best of solar radiation and wind velocity. In this paper, the possible combinations with solar PV, wind, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are simulated for an annual period in HOMER (Hybrid Combination Model for Electric Renewable) software. The objective of the work is to identify the best combination among these hybrid energy systems based on the Net Present Cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE) and Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) and economic calculations with the input of community load data, seasonal data, and plant equipment data. The comparison is performed among the proposed systems based on economic energy parameters. The proposed configurations are simulated for residential and commercial loads and concluded that the NPC, LCOE, capital cost and operating cost of wind and BESS system is lower than the solar BESS and solar and wind BESS systems. Finally, the hybrid energy combination of wind and BESS system is more economically feasible compared to other designed models for the selected area and the NPC of the system is 0.696$.