Net Present Cost Research Articles

Transformation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent: Simulating High-Purity Biogas Production Process for Power Generation

Abstract As the largest palm oil producer in the world, Indonesia is currently facing environmental challenges associated with the produced Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which can pollute the environment. To address this issue, one practical approach is to convert POME into a valuable resource through appropriate techniques. POME contains high organic content that can be processed and utilized for biogas power generation. This study aims to design an effective biogas production process from POME for industrial-scale high-purity biogas power generation. The design process uses SuperPro Designer v13 to simulate the production process and economic evaluation. Decomposing organic materials in POME to produce biogas uses anaerobic microorganisms. This process involves several stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. The result from this study shows that the plant can operate 182.5 batches/year with a batch time of 42.50 h, producing biogas with the composition of 3.86% carbon dioxide, 0.164% hydrogen sulfide, 0.089% hydrogen, 78.51% methane, and 2.028% water. Based on the analysis of economic indicators, such as Net Present Cost (NPC), Internal Return Rate (IRR), and Payback Period (PBP), it has been suggested that these projects are economically feasible. By utilizing methane gas generated from POME as biogas power generation, the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can be significantly reduced. The Biogas power plant from POME can be an alternative solution for electricity generation and sustainable palm oil industrial waste management.

Electrification of residential and commercial buildings integrated with hybrid renewable energy systems: A techno-economic analysis

This study assesses the techno-economic viability of city-scale building electrification, comparing a base case scenario with conventional HVAC systems to an electrified scenario with heat pump systems. EnergyPlus simulations reveal a 28% increase in annual electricity consumption in the electrified scenario, shifting the peak consumption from summer to winter with a 49% surge. Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) are then evaluated using HOMER Pro, considering renewable penetration from 0% to 100%. The net present cost (NPC) of the base case and electrified scenarios range from $10.34 to $24.38 billion and $8.79 to $50.31 billion, respectively. Sensitivity analysis explores the impact of carbon tax, fuel price, and renewable subsidies on HRESs in the electrified scenario. Results indicate that applying a carbon tax up to $120/tonne of CO2 increases the optimum renewable fraction from 5% to 26%, while higher fuel prices and renewable subsidies further enhance the feasibility by shifting the optimum renewable fraction to 60% and 54%, respectively, demonstrating the interplay between economic factors and renewable integration in electrified urban contexts.

Technical and economic analysis of a hybrid PV/wind energy system for hydrogen refueling stations

In recent years, the construction of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) has been in full swing. However, irrational configuration and design can increase the operation and maintenance costs of HRSs and reduce their overall energy conversion efficiency. This paper introduces the configuration optimization of a hybrid PV/wind energy system for hydrogen refueling stations. Firstly, the distribution of hydrogen refueling demand of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) in different time periods was simulated by the Monte Carlo method according to the driving rules of HFCVs. Then a model of renewable energy HRS was established in Homer, the purpose is to provide energy supply service for HFCVs through hydrogen production by electrolysis of water from renewable energy generation. Based on this, a load demand response model is developed. Finally, the best system configuration under different scenarios is obtained with the objective of minimizing the total net present cost (NPC). Through simulation calculations, the results show that the system configuration is more economically feasible after considering the demand response. The best system configuration was a grid-connected system containing a 548 kW PV, 1040 kW WT, 600 kW electrolyzer, and 600 kg hydrogen tanks This renewable energy system has the lowest NPC of $8,351,442 and produces 40,000 kg of green hydrogen annually. The sensitivity analysis also shows that with the advancement of hydrogen energy development and technology, the system will bring multiple benefits such as environmental protection and economic benefits in the future.

Offshore wind-driven green hydrogen: Bridging environmental sustainability and economic viability

This study investigates the environmental and financial implications of an offshore wind-driven green hydrogen generation system using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) methodologies. Global Climate Models (GCM) are employed to predict wind speeds crucial for system efficacy, followed by sizing the electrolyser system based on projected offshore wind power output. As a result of this study, LCA utilizing the GREET 2023 reveals a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kgH2 and 0.753 kgCO2-eq./kgH2 for GWP-20 and GWP-100, respectively. Fine Particulate Matter Formation (FPMF) is calculated as 0.24 gPM2.5/kgH2 for FPMF-20 and 0.53 gPM2.5/kgH2 for FPMF-100. In LCCA, under the base scenario, the Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) are estimated at $49.65 million and $4.36/kgH2, respectively. Despite various incentives and tax scenarios explored, it is revealed that Internal Rates of Return (IRRs) fall below the anticipated cost of equity, indicating non-profitability.

Optimal technoeconomic reliability‐oriented design of islanded multicarrier microgrids with electrical and hydrogen energy storage systems considering emission concerns

AbstractAlthough several studies have been performed on energy systems, there is a gap in examining the impact of energy storage systems (ESSs) technologies on the technoeconomic design of optimal multicarrier microgrids (MCMGs), considering environmental concerns. This paper aims to address this research gap by developing an optimal technoeconomic reliability‐oriented design of MCMGs, specifically focusing on battery storage systems (BSSs) and hydrogen storage systems (HSSs). The study was applied to MCMG at an actual MCMG, using HOMER Pro software. Additionally, a reliability‐oriented sensitivity analysis is conducted to understand the effects of reliability constraints, such as desired maximum capacity shortage, on the performance of various ESS technologies. One of the main contributions is analyzing the HSS and BSS from different viewpoints, such as cost, emission, and other technical–economic features for MCMGs. The comparative test results show that if a highly reliable MCMG is desired, the BSS‐based MCMG is the more practical option in terms of technoeconomic indices. However, regardless of reliability constraints, the HSS‐based MCMGs offer better environmental conditions. The total net present cost of the HSS‐based MCMG is 1.68% higher than the BSS‐based one, while it has 17.99% less CO2 emissions, while the HSS one has 17.99% less CO2 emissions.

Feasibility study of hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid electrification in Kuwait’s rural national park reserve

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the optimal design of a hybrid renewable energy system for the electrification of a potential rural national park reserve. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of utilising renewable energy sources (RESs) to reduce GHG emissions. The core components studied are photovoltaic solar (PV) panels, wind turbines (WTs), diesel generators (DGs), and battery banks (BBs). The research involves estimating the reserve’s load profile, assessing the potentials of RESs, and designing various system configurations. Each configuration is evaluated to derive the most efficient option. For a building with an energy demand of 832,640 kWh/yr, it is found that PV-WT-BB is the best configuration which comprises of 500-kW PV, 200-kW WT, and 1424-kW BBs and contributes an annual generation of 1,821,732 kWh/year. With a net present cost of $2,206,308 for the lifetime of the project, it saves 757,162 kg/year of total GHG emissions if the reserve operated using DGs.

Techno-economic modeling and optimal sizing of autonomous hybrid microgrid renewable energy system for rural electrification sustainability using HOMER and grasshopper optimization algorithm

This research paper focuses on techno-economic modeling and optimal sizing of autonomous hybrid microgrid systems. The optimal configuration of the suggested stand-alone system was performed by developing a size optimization model based on the metaheuristic novel Grasshopper Optimization algorithm (GOA) method to minimize the Total Net Present Cost (TNPC), unmet load, and Cost of Energy (COE) in the Nsukka Community which comprises 88 villages. The GOA and HOMER Pro Software are employed to compare results across four possible configurations of hybrid renewable power systems (HRES). The comparative analysis between GOA and HOMER shows that configuration-4 (biogas/Diesel), emerges as the optimal solution, with a 0 % unmet load at the COE of $0.01783 per kWh. The findings indicated that the GOA-based HRES, with a higher saturation of Biogas and photovoltaics (PV), proves to be more affordable in comparison to the HOMER-based solutions. The reduction in the COE and NPC of renewable energy for peak demands highlights the growing importance of biogas generators as an affordable local power supply to meet energy demands. This underscores the potential of the GOA in optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems for remote communities, producing an economically viable and sustainable energy solution.

An optimal sizing framework of a microgrid system with hydrogen storage considering component availability and system scalability by a novel approach based on quantum theory

This paper introduces an innovative framework for optimizing a hybrid photovoltaic-wind system with integrated hydrogen storage, taking into account component availability and system scalability. The primary objective is to minimize the total net present cost (TNPC) while enhancing system reliability based on the Loss of Power Supply probability (LPSP). The decision variables include the determination of the number of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WTs), hydrogen storage mass, fuel cell capacity, electrolyzer capacity, and inverter capacity. To achieve this optimization, the Quantum Beluga Whale Optimization (QBWO) algorithm is employed, which is an improved version of the Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) algorithm. QBWO overcomes some limitations of BWO by incorporating principles from quantum theory and addressing challenges related to the scarcity of population diversity and stagnation in local optima. Simulations were conducted for scenarios involving WT/FC, PV/FC, and PV/WT/FC systems. The results indicate that within a microgrid context, the PV/WT/FC configuration proves to be the most cost-effective approach for supplying local loads. Under certain conditions, it achieved the best TNPC with 0.8176 M$, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) with 0.264 $/kWh, and LPSP with 0.04687. However, considering components availability and system scalability changes indicate a significant effect on the system cost and reliability. Overall, this framework provides a precise method for designing energy systems, considering factors such as electricity generation costs and reliability enhancements in the face of uncertainties. QBWO outperforms original BWO, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) by achieving lower design costs and improved reliability. This study contributes to developing environmentally friendly electrification plans and provides valuable insights for power investments in energy-deprived Southwest Morocco.

Design of a Charging Station for Electric Vehicles Based on a Photovoltaic-Biodiesel Hybrid Renewable Energy System Combined with Battery Storage

The rapid deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in Jordan requires massive efforts to prepare the infrastructures that serve the transportation sector. The lack of EV charging stations is the major obstacle that faces EV drivers. Utilizing renewable energy in EV charging stations contributes to the spread of these stations. Renewable energy technologies are environmentally friendly as they mitigate greenhouse gases that cause the global warming phenomenon. In this paper, an EV charging station, based on a PV-biodiesel-battery hybrid system, is investigated. The importance of this article is to discuss the hybrid system of PV and waste vegetable oil (WVO) along with storage that applies the maximum reliability supply, having an environmentally friendly supply and achieving the lowest energy cost of charging. This station is designed based on renewable and WVO utilization. In fact, WVO, coming from restaurants, is exploited to produce electricity by a diesel generator through direct burning after converting it into biodiesel. The capacity of each station is 14 cars/day with a medium-speed charger of 7 kW. The system is simulated and optimized using iHOGA software where multiobjective optimization is applied to achieve the minimum net present cost (NPC) and CO2 emissions considering three cases, PV-diesel, PV-biodiesel, and PV-WVO, all with battery-hybrid system. These values for the EV charging station that uses the PV-biodiesel-battery hybrid system are 624408 € and 15.4 tons/year, respectively. The corresponding values are 781473 € and 15.14 tons/year and 615310 € and 18.84 tons/year for the systems that work with diesel and WVO, respectively, and energy cost is achieved in best solution to be 0.11 Euro/kWh. Simulation results show that the proposed technique led to enhanced operational efficiency in terms of both NPC and annual CO2 emissions.

Comparing the life cycle costs of a traditional and a smart HVAC control system for Australian office buildings

Many smart technologies have been introduced in buildings with the aim to reduce the energy and GHG emissions associated with their operation, particularly through improved control systems for regulating heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Despite their energy saving potential, only a few studies have comprehensively assessed the costs associated with their practical implementation from a life cycle perspective. Accordingly, this study quantifies and compares the life cycle costs of a smart HVAC control system with that of a traditional control system, in the context of an Australian office building. For both systems, the required hardware are specified based on the characteristics of these systems and the layout of the serviced spaces in the reference building. The costs incurred over the period of assessment are quantified using the net present cost (NPC) approach. To evaluate the effects of these control systems on the operational energy costs of the building HVAC system, the control logics of both these systems are modelled through building energy simulations. The results show that, over the period of assessment, the smart control system incurred a higher total cost compared to the traditional control system. However, the findings from the simulations show that the HVAC energy cost savings achieved through the specification of the smart control system offset the additional cost incurred to deploy this system over the traditional control system. The smart control system resulted in HVAC operational cost savings between 9 % and 10 % compared to the traditional control system. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the total life cycle costs varied between −27 % and +50 %, with the discount rate and energy price increase rate being the most influential parameters.

Design and development of grid independent integrated energy system for electric vehicle charging stations at different locations in Malaysia

Electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the transportation sector as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based transportation. It becomes more effective when the charging energy comes from green, renewable, cost-effective, eco-friendly resources. The present work discusses modelling a hybrid renewable energy system for EV charging stations in Malaysia. This work presents techno-economic investigation for different hybrid energy system arrangements of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), natural gas generator (GS) and battery energy storage (BES) for EV charging station. The EV load demand is calculated based on the transportation fleet of an institution considered for five different climatic locations in Malaysia using HOMER-Pro software. Considering the technical sizing of the hybrid system, the minimization of the energy system and net present cost are discussed for each locations. The optimization study of hybrid energy systems is further examined for social benefits and environmental analysis by including the human development and employment creation index. The comparative analysis of hybrid energy storage systems is performed separately. This study uses sensitivity analysis to elaborate on the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of the hybrid system, considering the cost of system components, macroeconomics parameters, and load variation. The finalized results indicate that the solar PV-BES-GS12 hybrid energy system is the most suitable combination for the integrated grid-independent EV charging station operation at each locations.

Design, modeling, and simulation of a PV/diesel/battery hybrid energy system for an off-grid hospital in Ethiopia

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, off-grid hybrid systems have emerged as a promising avenue, catering to the electrification needs of rural areas. These systems encompass a multifaceted approach, addressing concerns of reliability, sustainability, and environmental preservation. Leveraging advanced tools such as HOMER modeling, the design and simulation of hybrid off-grid systems, alongside the evaluation of existing diesel generator (DG) power supply, have become imperative. This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration with the overarching objective of designing, modeling, and simulating an off-grid power system tailored for the Shinshicho Primary Hospital. Nestled in the heart of Shinshicho Town within the Kembata Tembaro Zone of Ethiopia, this healthcare facility stands as a focal point for community well-being. The proposed hybrid system integrates solar PV, diesel generators, and battery storage, offering a robust and resilient energy solution. Throughout the optimization process, a primary load demand of 276 kgwatt-hours per day and a peak load of 40 kW were pivotal considerations. The financial cost of this hybrid system results in an initial capital requirement of $160,500, complemented by operational and maintenance costs amounting to $14,824. Over the projected 20-year lifespan, the total net present cost (NPC) is estimated at $216,155. With these economic parameters in mind, the cost-effectiveness of the selected hybrid system is underscored by a cost of energy (CEO) of 0.187 dollars per kilowatt-hour. This metric not only highlights the economic viability of the proposed solution but also positions it as a sustainable and financially prudent choice for meeting the energy needs of Shinshicho Primary Hospital.

Optimal Sizing and Management of Hybrid Wind Turbine-Diesel-Battery System for Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination in NEOM City

Optimal sizing and management of hybrid wind turbine-diesel-battery system for reverse osmosis seawater desalination in NEOM city is the objective of the paper. Therefore, the paper explored the different factors to optimize and introduce a technoeconomic evaluation and energy management of a stand-alone wind turbine (WT) system, diesel generator (DG), and battery storage (BS). The suggested WT/DG/BS system is implemented to feed seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) unit in NEOM. The necessitated desalinated water per day is 100 m3. To determine the optimal size of WT/DG/BS corresponding to the minimum cost of energy (COE) and net present cost, two different ratings of the SWRO units (SWRO-100 and SWRO-150), three control dispatch strategies (load following, cycle charging, and combined dispatch), and five types of batteries are considered. HOMER software is performed to simulate and optimize the WT/DG/BS. The optimization results indicated that the best battery storage is the Trojan SAGM battery. In this case, the COE ranged between $0.337/kWh and $0.564/kWh. The lowest COE of $0.377/kWh is obtained when using a combined control strategy and SWRO-100 unit, whereas the worst COE of $0.564/kWh is obtained when using load following control strategy and SWRO-150 unit. The best option of the WT/DG/BS system to supply the SWRO unit is option number 26. This system includes one wind turbine of 90 kW, DG of 25 kW, 47 Trojan SAGM batteries, a 23.8 kW converter, a SWRO-100 unit, and a combined control strategy. The net present cost and the initial cost are $950,725 and $221,495, respectively. The annual operating cost and annual consumed fuel are $56,409 and 36,396 L, respectively. Compared with using only a 25 kW diesel generator, the COE reduced from $0.373/kWh (using only DG/BS) to $0.337/kWh (using the best option) by around 9.65%. Under this condition, the values for the internal rate of return, return on investment, and simple payback are 11%, 7.8%, and 8.3 years, respectively.

Technical, economic, and environmental feasibility assessment of solar-battery-generator hybrid energy systems: a case study in Nigeria

Supermarkets in Nigeria rely on diesel generators for electricity due to the unreliability of the national grid. The recent removal of petroleum subsidies in 2023 has increased fuel prices by 60%. This research examines the technical, economic, and environmental viability of employing solar PV/battery storage/generator systems to generate electricity for high-load supermarkets. The case study was conducted in the Market Square (MS) supermarket in Port Harcourt (PH) city, Nigeria. The MS supermarket had a load demand of 59.8 kW/day for an energy audit in 2022. The average solar radiation and temperature for PH city were 4.21 kWh/m2 and 25.3°C, respectively. The hybrid system was simulated with the HOMER Pro software. The simulation revealed that the optimum baseline (BL) system for the present price of a liter of diesel in Nigeria ($0.63 USD/L) was a solar PV/Battery/Generator. The optimal BL system produced 401,599 kWh/year, which was more than adequate to cover the yearly load requirement of 204,765 kWh/year and left a surplus of 173,195 kWh/year. The BL system had a levelized cost of electricity of $0.106 USD/kWh, a net present cost of $232,533, and Operation and Maintenance cost of $7,928. When the overall environmental impact of the optimal BL system was assessed, it contributed 10,935 kg CO2-eq/year of global warming potential, 1,611 kg O3-eq/year of smog formation, and 72.2 kg SO2-eq/year of acidification potential to the environment. Sensitivity analysis shows that the BL system could have a net present value of $710,364, a 38% internal rate of return, and a 2-year simple payback period over a 25-year life if the excess energy is sold to the grid. Also, LCOE increases with fuel price or discount rate increase, while CO2 falls as all renewable hybrid system configurations become more advantageous. The potential reduction in CO2 emission in the proposed system highlights the environmental benefits compared to traditional ones. This finding will guide decisions on adopting hybrid energy solutions for supermarkets in Nigeria. This analysis offers crucial insights for energy sector decision-makers seeking to balance reliability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability in a volatile market.

Enhancing Ethiopian power distribution with novel hybrid renewable energy systems for sustainable reliability and cost efficiency

Economic development relies on access to electrical energy, which is crucial for society’s growth. However, power shortages are challenging due to non-renewable energy depletion, unregulated use, and a lack of new energy sources. Ethiopia’s Debre Markos distribution network experiences over 800 h of power outages annually, causing financial losses and resource waste on diesel generators (DGs) for backup use. To tackle these concerns, the present study suggests a hybrid power generation system, which combines solar and biogas resources, and integrates Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) and Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) technologies into the system. The study also thoroughly analyzes the current and anticipated demand connected to the distribution network using a backward/forward sweep load flow analysis method. The results indicate that the total power loss has reached its absolute maximum, and the voltage profiles of the networks have dropped below the minimal numerical values recommended by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards (i.e., 0.95–1.025 p.u.). After reviewing the current distribution network’s operation, additional steps were taken to improve its effectiveness, using metaheuristic optimization techniques to account for various objective functions and constraints. In the results section, it is demonstrated that the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) outperforms other metaheuristic optimization techniques across three important objective functions: financial, reliability, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This comparison is based on the capability of the natural selection whale optimization algorithm (NSWOA) to achieve the best possible values for four significant metrics: Cost of Energy (COE), Net Present Cost (NPC), Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), and GHG Emissions. The NSWOA achieved optimal values for these metrics, namely 0.0812 €/kWh, 3.0017 × 106 €, 0.00875, and 7.3679 × 106 kg reduced, respectively. This is attributable to their thorough economic, reliability, and environmental evaluation. Finally, the forward/backward sweep load flow analysis employed during the proposed system’s integration significantly reduced the impact of new energy resources on the distribution network. This was evident in the reduction of total power losses from 470.78 to 18.54 kW and voltage deviation from 6.95 to 0.35 p.u., as well as the voltage profile of the distribution system being swung between 1 and 1.0234 p.u., which now comply with the standards set by the IEEE. Besides, a comparison of the cost and GHG emission efficiency of the proposed hybrid system with existing (grid + DGs) and alternative (only DGs) scenarios was done. The findings showed that, among the scenarios examined, the proposed system is the most economical and produces the least amount of GHG emissions.

Technical and economic study of renewable-energy-powered system for a newly constructed city in China

The power and transportation sectors are major carbon emission sources of cities in China, meanwhile, urbanization and industrialization remain the most important impetus for the Chinese economy. Thus, urban-level carbon mitigation is critical for China to realize a low carbon development strategy. This study designs two renewable-energy power-generation dominated power systems for a totally newly built Chinese city, Xiongan, considering emerging technologies, such as vehicle-to-grid as an energy storage facility and geothermal as a local renewable energy resource. The new energy systems are assessed from both economic and carbon emission aspects based on short &long terms power load forecasts. The simulation results shows that the optimal short-term system is a photovoltaic (PV)/geothermal generator/grid purchase/100 Li battery/converter. For the short term, the system's net present cost (NPC) is approximately $8.26B, and the average cost of valuable electrical energy (COE) produced by the system is approximately $0.0942/kWh. The optimal long-term system is a PV/geothermal generator /V2G/ converter, the NPC of the optimal system is approximately $47.7B, and the COE of the system is approximately $0.078/kWh. Energy bill and carbon emissions can both be cut sharply for the city if it adopts these new types of renewable energy dominated systems.

Two-stage energy management framework of the cold ironing cooperative with renewable energy for ferry

The cold ironing system is gaining interest as a promising approach to reduce emissions from ship transportation at ports, enabling further reductions with clean energy sources coordination. While cold ironing has predominantly been applied to long-staying vessels like cruise ships and containers, feasibility studies for short-berthing ships such as ferries are limited. However, the growing demand for short-distance logistics and passenger transfers highlights the need to tackle emissions issues from ferry transportation. Incorporating electrification technology together with integrated energy management systems can significantly reduce emissions from ferry operations. Accordingly, this paper proposes a cooperative cold ironing system integrated with clean energy sources for ferry terminals. A two-stage energy management strategy combining sizing and scheduling optimization is employed to reduce the port’s emissions while minimizing system and operational costs. The proposed system configuration, determined through the sizing method, yields the lowest net present cost of $9.04 M. The applied energy management strategy managed to reduce operational costs by up to 63.402 %, while significantly decreasing emissions from both shipside and shoreside operations. From the shipside, emissions reductions of 38.44 % for CO2, 97.7 % for NOX, 96.69 % for SO2, and 92.1 % for PM were achieved. From the shoreside, the approach led to a 28 % reduction across all emission types. Thus, implementing cold ironing powered by clean energy sources is a viable solution for reducing emissions generated by ferry operations. The proposed energy management approach enables emissions reduction and delivering cost-effectiveness at ferry terminals.

Assessment of solar-biomass hybrid power system for decarbonizing and sustainable energy transition for academic building

Solar-biomass hybrid power system is a feasible approach for decarbonizing and achieving a sustainable energy transition in an academic building. This cutting-edge technology generates clean, sustainable power by fusing the advantages of biomass and solar energy. The present research analyses and optimises a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) for the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University (located at 28°44' N and 77°06' E). Hybrid optimization model for electric renewable (HOMER) software is employed for simulation, and analysis primarily focuses on the techno-environomic assessment of the system. HRES is designed to fulfil daily energy consumption of 588 kWh at a peak load of 65 kW. System generates 3,76,780 kWh of power every year. The cost of energy (COE) is ₹16.96 (US$ 0.207)/kWh and the gross net present cost (NPC) is ₹41,603,969.8 (US$ 5,07,737). Throughout lifetime (25 years), biomass gasifier and solar PV contribute 23.4 % and 76.6 % of the total energy production. Around 161 metric tons of CO2 is prevented from entering the atmosphere. Therefore, proposed HRES is technically consistent, dependable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable.

Novel integration and optimization of reliable photovoltaic and biomass integrated system for rural electrification

The novel concept of using hybrid renewable resources to provide clean energy helps to address the unique shortcomings of each renewable source. This study describes an innovative concept about the design of optimal grid PV/biomass 100 % renewable and fully reliable energy systems without considering energy storage devices. By leveraging community solar and biomass resources, the proposed system can power remote villages with a minimum cost of energy. Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) is employed to perform an optimal procedure. The PV-biomass deployment project's economic viability is assessed using financial metrics such as net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE). In order to install a hybrid system at the chosen site, the optimal configuration (PV 87 kW, biomass1 29 kW, and biomass2 125 kW) was examined. The NPC, COE, and total system cost, in this configuration, are $118,942, $0.02/kWh, and $892,892, respectively. The combined yearly consumption of the biomass1 and biomass2 generators is 704.81 tons of wheat straw. The total annual CO2 emissions of the PV, biomass1, and biomass2 generators in this system are avoided by 729.5 tons. The findings clearly demonstrate that the suggested approach can manage a reliable power flow with a suitable configuration. The solar PV and biomass system examined in this study will probably be a specialized solution in regions with abundant biomass resources; nevertheless, it offers a reliable starting point for the creation of larger-scale bioenergy value chains with the long-term objective of generating electricity from wheat straw biomass materials.

Techno-economic and environmental analysis of renewable energy integration in irrigation systems: A comparative study of standalone and grid-connected PV/diesel generator systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Water is an essential requirement for agricultural productivity. In the agriculture sector, electricity generated by conventional sources contributes to a substantial amount of carbon footprints for pumping water through tube wells. Over the past few decades, a transitional shift towards renewable resources has increased leading to decarbonizing the environment and is considered as a viable solution for electricity production. To assist and provide a road map for this paradigm shift, the proposed study presents a techno-economic and environmental analysis of irrigation systems by carrying comparative analysis of both standalone and grid-connected systems based on four independent sites in a developing country. PV system integrated with grid enabling both energy purchase and sale (PV + G(P+S)), proved to be the most optimal configuration with cost of energy (COE) of $0.056/kWh, $0.059/kWh, $0.061/kWh, and $0.068/kWh while having net present cost (NPC) of $7,908, $20,186, $25,826, and $34,487 for Peshawar, Khyber Agency, Mardan, and Charsadda respectively, over a useful life span of 25 years. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis has been carried out based on uncertain variables such as Grid power purchase (GPP) and average solar radiation (GHI) to check the optimality behavior of the system. Results from environmental analysis revealed that (PV+ G(P+S)) system has a relatively low carbon impact as compared with conventional sources. This configuration also has the ability to prevent excess water extraction by selling any excessive solar PV energy to the grid. This study provides a policy framework insight for the entities for future optimization.