Techno-economic analysis of a standalone hybrid energy system in Cambodia

Abstract

This study aims to present an economically feasible and environmental-friendly hybrid energy system that does not connect to the grid. In Cambodia, many rural areas are facing insufficient power supply problems and need more electricity supply. So, the designed system in this research can supply electric power to a community with 30 households in Krong Kracheh, Kratie Province, Cambodia. Three different designs of hybrid systems are considered. The first design is a hybrid system with PV modules, a diesel generator, and a battery. The second design is a hybrid system including a wind turbine, PV modules, diesel generator, and battery, and finally, a hybrid system that contains a wind turbine, diesel generator, and battery as the third design. According to the simulation results, the first configuration is the best design compared to the other two scenarios as it is the most cost-effective. The Present Net Cost, Cost of Energy, and system operating cost is 46,866 $, 0.268 $/kWh, and 2,327 $/yr, respectively. Besides, it has a total of 4,496.29 kg/yr pollutants emitted, which is less than the third configuration but more than the second configuration. The production of electricity for the first configuration is 23,820 kWh/yr, with a renewable fraction of 65.2%.