Using HOMER for design and economic analysis of a photovoltaic unit integrated with the RO system treating brackish water at a capacity of 3 m3/day

Abstract

To satisfy the energy demand and environmental protection, solar energy has been widely used and contributed 43% of renewable energy resources. Photovoltaic (PV) is an ideal technology for powering reverse osmosis (RO) desalination units since both PV and RO systems are modular and easily scalable. HOMER sofware can integrate functional tools for designing and sensitivity analysis of hybrid energy systems. Thus, it is useful for finding the least-cost configuration of small-scale PV systems, which can combine with the other energy sources, effectively. This study analyzed a 3kWp PV module installed at a tilt angle of 10.04o, comprising of eleven 280W PV pannels (JA Solar Holding 280JAM6-60-280/SI), one inverter (ABB PVI-3.0-OUTD-S-US-Z-A-240V), three batteries (Trojan SAGM 12-205-12V-205Ah-20h), and the MPPT charge controller. Results showed that the capital cost in the first year was 60.236 million VND and the total project cost for 25 years, accountless of the installation and maintenance cost, was 144.341 million VND. At the average daily radiation of 5.155 kWh/m2/day, the 3kWp PV module could produce 5,145kWh/year and save more than 49,5% of costs for buying grid electricity.