HOMER Software Research Articles

Optimized Configuration and Operation Of Isolated Microgrid Systems For Rural Electrification: Baron Technopark

Microgrid systems represent a significant advancement in energy supply technologies, particularly for rural communities lacking access to electricity; however, these systems are predominantly reliant on diesel generators (DG). The formulation and selection of suitable configurations, alongside operational patterns, must be meticulously evaluated in the pursuit of economically viable and dependable microgrid systems. Consequently, this research sought to devise an optimal configuration and operational for microgrid systems situated in isolation, utilizing the Baron Techno Park (BTP) in Indonesia as a case study. The optimization process was executed utilizing HOMER software, integrated with an operating cost comparison, with particular emphasis placed on daily load fluctuations, the selection of control algorithms, the reconfiguration of the power supply system, and the regulation of diesel generator operational hours. The proposed microgrid system yielded a surplus energy production of 16.7%, a renewable fraction (RF) of 100%, a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $5.6 per kWh, a net present cost (NPC) of $3,97M. In summary, the study shows that by slightly increasing the capital cost of PV system procurement, it can reduce the operating cost of $629 from the base system in the long term.

Optimization of grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system for the educational institutes in Pakistan

To foster resilient energy transition systems, the deployment of renewable energy sources is potentially helpful in the acceleration towards sustainable, reliable, and diversified solutions. In this feasibility study, aims to pursuit the best optimal solution for renewable energy resources, integrated into the local university's energy mix, to meet the electrical load demand of 8500 kWhr/day and a peak load of 815 kW. A model of a hybrid grid-connected renewable energy (PV/Biomass/Hydel/Diesel generator/Grid) system was implemented in HOMER software, to obtain the most efficient and cost-effective hybrid energy generation. The outcomes of the simulation seem more viable based on sensitivity analysis, as the cost of energy (COE) for an energy system with a hybrid combination is 0.13.$/kWh, meanwhile energy price with the grid system is 0.18 $/kWh. According to the HOMER analysis, a hybrid grid-connected PV/biomass/hydro system demonstrates both technological feasibility and economic viability, meanwhile it will also save 1575 tons of CO2 per year. Therefore, this proposed hybrid energy system, a step towards sustainable development, can be applied at institutional levels, especially in developing countries.

Cost-effectiveness and reliability evaluation of hydrogen storage-based hybrid energy systems for unreliable grid

A critical issue regarding the unreliable electricity supply in regions experiencing frequent grid outages poses significant economic and social challenges. Despite the integration of renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) systems, the intermittent nature and low reliability of these resources necessitate additional energy storage solutions. The study investigates the effectiveness of various power system configurations, including PV only, PV/BES, and PV/BES/H2 systems. Using HOMER software, the study delves into investigating the impact of different outage parameters, specifically focusing on the outage durations and frequencies to the reliability and cost-effectiveness of these systems. The study analyzes how these outage parameters influence the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and the cost of energy (COE). Three cases were being investigated in this study, which are Case 1: Varying mean outage duration (MOD) with fixed outage frequency (OF), Case 2: Varying OF with MOD and Case 3: Varying both the MOD and OF. The inclusion of H2 storage significantly reduced the LPSP in Case 1, from a range of 0.882%–2.79% in the PV/BES system to a much lower range of 0.15%–0.392%. In Case 2, the PV/BES/H2 system also markedly improved reliability, lowering the LPSP from 0.0751% to 1.28% in the PV/BES system to just 0.0279%–0.189%. The results of Case 3 demonstrate that OF has a greater impact on system reliability, as evidenced by a significantly larger rate of change in LPSP when varying OF with constant MOD compared to varying MOD with constant OF. Therefore, the inclusion of energy storage significantly enhances reliability, with the PV/BES/H2 system showing the lowest LPSP values in both cases. However, COE for the PV/BES/H2 system was higher in both cases, ranging from 0.22 to 0.326 $/kWh, compared to 0.101 to 0.156 $/kWh for the PV/BES system. This highlights the need for advancements in H2 storage technology to reduce cost. These findings underscore the critical importance of accurately sizing components to ensure a reliable and economical power supply in regions with unstable grids.

Feasibility Assessment of Using Wavestar Energy Converter in a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System (a case study)

Renewable energies, as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, confront a twofold challenge characterized by intermittency and the imperative to enhance reliability. Hybrid energy systems (HES) emerge as a pragmatic solution with the potential to mitigate carbon emissions and foster self-sufficiency within local communities. This investigation primarily seeks to ascertain the optimal configuration of a HES integrated with Wavestar wave energy converter, considering economic, technical, and environmental factors, tailored to meet the electricity demands of two cities in Iran including Chabahar and Anzali alongside of the Caspian sea and Oman sea, respectively. For this purpose, HOMER software is used for modeling and optimization the energy systems. In both locations, the optimal system includes photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine (WT), Wavestar wave energy converter (WEC), diesel generator (DG), and batteries which results in cost of energy (COE) of 0.136 and 0.109 in Chabahar and Anzali, respectively. Sensitivity analysis reveals that wind speed significantly impacts COE and reliability, also grid electricity purchases play a vital role. Economic uncertainty highlights varying importance between capital costs for PV and WT in Anzali and Chabahar. Furthermore, this study delves into the limitations posed by the fuel dependency of diesel generators. Finally, by conducting a thorough assessment of solar energy potential by GIS software, the research identifies a favorable location for the establishment of a solar power plant, contributing to the overall feasibility of the proposed hybrid energy systems.

Performance analysis of hybrid off-grid renewable energy systems for sustainable rural electrification

Delivering sustainable power to rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Somalia, where many areas are far from the electrical grid and suffer from energy shortages, necessitates the deployment of appropriate technologies. This study evaluates the techno-economic and environmental viability of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) comprising a 15 kWp photovoltaic (PV) generator, 10 kW wind turbine (WT), 25 kW diesel generator (DG), and a 72-kWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The HRES is proposed to supply sustainable power to a rural community in Somalia. The techno-economic assessment of the proposed HRES and a comparative analysis of other configurations—namely the PV/WT/BESS and PV/DG/BESS systems is conducted using HOMER and MATLAB software. The results indicate that the proposed PV/WT/DG/BESS HRES demonstrates superior techno-economic performance compared to the other configurations. The lowest net present cost of $96,899.16 and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.090/kWh were achieved. This system attains 25 % excess electricity, maintains a 0 % unmet electric load, and demonstrates robust environmental performance with a renewable penetration rate of 91.8 %. Approximately 53.34 % of greenhouse gas emissions are reduced compared to the PV/DG/BESS configuration. The study confirmed the significant impacts of all sensitivity parameters on operational costs, LCOE, fuel prices, fuel intake, and renewable fraction. The overall results indicate superior performance in the optimal system case, offering a feasible and suitable choice for the sustainable electrification of rural communities.

Achieving universal energy access in remote locations using HOMER energy model: a techno-economic and environmental analysis of hybrid microgrid systems for rural electrification in northeast Nigeria

The developing world continues to face substantial obstacles to achieving affordable and dependable electricity access. This issue is especially pertinent for Nigeria, where diesel generators are widely relied upon in urban and rural regions because of an underdeveloped and unreliable national grid. The lack of grid reliability is worsened in Northeastern Nigeria, an area plagued by conflict, extreme poverty, and grid infrastructure deterioration. This study investigates the feasibility of implementing community-scale microgrids in rural areas without grid connection access. It focuses on assessing the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of utilizing these microgrids to deliver inexpensive and dependable electricity to underserved populations to increase energy access. A case study was conducted in Kabuiri, a village with an estimated population of 2,300 residents and an estimated load demand of 610 kWh per day. A hybrid microgrid system was designed and optimized to meet the community’s load demand using HOMER software, sized to produce 610 kWh/day of electricity with a renewable penetration of 99%. The optimal solar PV/battery/generator system had a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $ 0.093 per kWh, a net present cost (NPC) of $266,709, and an annual operating cost of $9,110. The system contributed 1,624 kg CO2 eq/year of global warming potential and 56.81 kg O3 eq/year of smog formation during operation. Sensitivity analysis showed that the system could effectively react to or adapt to substantial increases in diesel prices, requiring only marginal increases in photovoltaic capacity and reduced generator usage to maintain the most cost-efficient operation. Additionally, the system model can be adapted based on the population of the remote community without substantially impacting the LCOE, however, the NPC increases with increase in population size. This research will aid in increasing energy access in remote locations by providing insights to stakeholders and energy access project developers.

A Study of Hybrid Renewable Energy Production Scenarios Using a Long Short-Term Memory Method. A Case Study of Göksun

The global demand for energy has increased exponentially over the years. To reduce the dominance of fossil fuels in energy production, there has been a shift towards energy production models based on renewable sources. In the design of hybrid energy systems, it is essential to keep investment costs low while ensuring the security of the energy supply by meeting the consumer’s energy demands without interruption. The success of a good energy production model can be directly associated with the results of load estimation. The primary objective of this research is to predict the electricity demand for the Göksun district until 2028, utilising a data set that encompasses electricity usage from 2019 through the first four months of 2024 for the Göksun district in Kahramanmaraş. This endeavour includes the application of various machine learning (ML) paradigms (long short-term memory (LSTM), gated recurrent unit (GRU), convolutional neural network (CNN)-LSTM, support vector regression (SVR)) to produce load forecasting outcomes and to engineer an optimally performing hybrid system. On evaluation of the performance metrics derived from the experimental data, it has been established that the LSTM model outperforms other methodologies, yielding more favourable results. The simulation studies of the designed hybrid system were conducted using the hybrid optimisation model for electric renewables software (HOMER Pro), demonstrating improvements in both economic and environmental parameters. Our study is unique in that it is the first to utilise a data set specific to the Göksun region and to model predictions obtained from this data set using HOMER software.

An effective sizing study on PV-wind-battery hybrid renewable energy systems

Hybrid renewable energy system is the effective and efficient way of energy harvesting in remote or isolated areas having the advantage of harnessing of multiple renewable sources at a time. Solar, wind and battery-based hybrid system is one of the most promising alternatives in this field. Sizing of the system components depend on various technical and economical specifications. The research studied the effect of solar panel tilt angle and wind turbine hub height on sizing optimization of PV wind battery-based hybrid renewable energy system using HOMER software. Through empirical method, an optimal monthly, seasonal, yearly optimal tilt angle and wind turbine hub height have been computed. These values are used in addition with various other technical and economical specifications in order to determine the optimal sizing of hybrid system. At first, three different scenarios have been considered for the study of yearly, seasonal, and monthly optimal tilt angle with an optimized hub height for the wind turbine. Then, a comparative analysis of the sizing of hybrid system at unoptimized and optimized tilt angle and hub height have also been done. Furthermore, a detailed comparative and sensitivity analysis have also been performed across different scenarios and approaches. A detailed financial study for policy planning and implementation issues with other, traditional state of the art approaches significantly demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for optimal sizing of the hybrid system.

Determination of hydrogen fuel production from GIS-based selected ponds using hybrid renewable energy systems in Kayseri

This study offers the feasibility study of large-scale hydrogen production to establish environmentally friendly hybrid energy facilities based on wind and solar energy resources in the vicinity of lakes and rivers within the Kayseri region of Türkiye. The ultimate objective is to enable hydrogen production from lakes and rivers and identify optimal locations for the installation of hydrogen fuel stations. The precise selection of locations for the designated province is based on geographical, environmental, and infrastructural considerations by utilizing GIS technology which allows spatial analysis and superimposition of various layers. The methodology also involves the utilization of the HOMER software to facilitate the integration of wind and solar power, along with hydrogen production, providing a platform for environmentally friendly energy system design and optimization. A comprehensive evaluation has been conducted for the sizing and placement of renewable energy systems based on microgrid analysis, the design of hydrogen production facilities, and the establishment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The study also incorporates a financial analysis to assess the economic viability of the project over its lifecycle. Among the five water sources considered, the highest annual hydrogen production is 830 tons in Zamantı River, while Kızılırmak River has the lowest value according to LCOE and LCOH values, 0.030 $/kWh and 3.85 $/kgH2, respectively.

Hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Saudi Arabia: A techno-economic evaluation for three diverse locations

This study presents a techno-economic evaluation of hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Al Jouf, Yanbu, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using HOMER software to model and optimize grid-connected and off-grid configurations. Grid-connected systems consistently demonstrate superior cost-effectiveness, achieving lower hydrogen (COH) and energy (COE) costs, particularly in resource-rich regions like Yanbu. Off-grid systems, while more expensive, offer crucial energy independence for remote areas or where grid reliability is a concern. Sensitivity analyses reveal that increasing solar irradiance reduces COH, COE, and net present cost (NPC), along with optimal PV array sizes, especially in grid-connected systems. Wind resources play a significant role in Yanbu, where abundant wind reduces reliance on solar energy. This emphasis on the role of wind resources in Yanbu provides the audience with specific regional factors affecting system design. Off-grid systems exhibit greater sensitivity to demand fluctuations due to their dependence on battery storage. The study highlights the importance of tailoring system designs to local resource availability, climate, and demand. Policy recommendations include promoting grid integration, supporting off-grid solutions in areas with limited grid access, investing in climate-resilient technologies, and fostering regional collaboration for a sustainable hydrogen economy in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region.

Optimal solution for PV integrated with smart grid connected fast charging EV station: A case study for Jaipur

Current research study investigates the optimal solution for integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar panels with a smart grid-connected fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) station in Jaipur, India, using HOMER software for simulation. The study aims to develop a cost-effective and sustainable charging infrastructure specifically designed for e-rickshaws and personal vehicles, targeting reduced electricity costs. The findings demonstrate that a hybrid Solar and Grid-integrated EV charging station significantly lowers operational costs while promoting renewable energy adoption. The optimized Solar + grid system, compared to a traditional grid-only model, achieves substantial savings, with an average annual energy bill reduction of ₹26,17,806. Despite an initial capital expenditure of ₹50,22,895, the system's financial viability is affirmed by a rapid payback period of 1.9 years (simple) or 2.1 years (discounted) and an impressive internal rate of return (IRR) of 51.3%. Over a 25-year project lifespan, the system is projected to generate total savings of ₹6,54,45,150. The analysis considers various financial metrics, including monthly and annual energy costs, demand charges, and fixed charges, providing a comprehensive overview of the economic benefits. The results underline the importance of incorporating solar power into EV charging stations to reduce overall energy expenses and enhance long-term sustainability. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, energy managers, and stakeholders, highlighting the economic and environmental advantages of solar-integrated charging solutions in urban settings.

Techno-economic and environmental analysis of biogas-based hybrid renewable energy systems: A case study for a small-scale livestock farm

Biogas technology offers a significant benefit in enabling energy generation from distributed sources of biomass through its easy scalability. This study aimed to conduct the technical, economic, and environmental analysis of biogas-based hybrid renewable energy systems in a small-scale livestock farm located in the rural area of the Central Anatolia region in Türkiye. The HOMER software was used to analyze a total of five scenarios. These scenarios are hybrid combinations of a biogas generator, PV panels and wind turbines. The hybrid scenarios were evaluated by comparing them to each other and to the base scenario, which only has a grid connection. The optimal system has been determined to be the grid-connected Biogas/PV panel hybrid configuration, with an energy cost of 0.0688 $/kWh and a net present cost of $70,777. The optimal system has a renewable fraction of 89.9 % and a CO2 emissions mitigation potential of 13,066 kg/year compared to the base scenario. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis for various input parameters such as grid sellback rate, interest rate and load demand was performed to assess the impact of changes in these parameters on the system. Sensitivity analysis results show that increased grid sellback rates can significantly enhance financial metrics and reduce the payback period from 13.13 years to 6.63 years.

Techno-economic analysis of stand-alone hybrid PV-hydrogen-based plug-in electric vehicle charging station

The increase in the feasibility of hydrogen-based generation makes it a promising addition to the realm of renewable energies that are being employed to address the issue of electric vehicle charging. This paper presents technical and an economical approach to evaluate a newer off-grid hybrid PV-hydrogen energy-based recharging station in the city of Jamshoro, Pakistan to meet the everyday charging needs of plug-in electric vehicles. The concept is designed and simulated by employing HOMER software. Hybrid PV-hydrogen and PV-hydrogen-battery are the two different scenarios that are carried out and compared based on their both technical as well as financial standpoints. The simulation results are evident that the hybrid PV- hydrogen-battery energy system has much more financial and economic benefits as compared with the PV-hydrogen energy system. Moreover, it is also seen that costs of energy from earlier from hybrid PV-hydrogen-battery is more appealing i.e. 0.358 $/kWh, from 0.412 $/kWh cost of energy from hybrid PV-hydrogen. The power produced by the hybrid PV- hydrogen - battery energy for the daily load demand of 1700 kWh /day, consists of two powers produced independently by the PV and fuel cells of 87.4 % and 12.6 %, respectively.

Techno-economic Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Hydrogen Production in the Demnate Region of Morocco

This paper investigates the techno-economic feasibility of producing electrical energy for three villages in the mountains in the Demnate region. The community needs were determined based on the site visit to identify the electrical load demand in reality. In addition, a site description was done to evaluate the suitable system to produce the electrical energy. Using the Homer software, two systems were selected to produce electricity and hydrogen which are described as follows: The first system is constituted of a PV-Generator with 3759 kW, an Autosize Genset generating 300 kW, a DC/ AC converter supplying 317 kw, 800 kW produced by the electrolyzer, and a hydrogen storage tank with 900 Kg as a capacity. The second system is composed of PV modules with 3743 kw, seven G3 wind turbines with 3kW, an Autosize Genset generating 300 kw, 323 kW of power converters, a generic electrolyzer with an output power of 800 kW, and a hydrogen tank with 900 Kg as capacity. In addition, the financial analysis gives 1.56$/kWh and 1.57$/kWh as the Levelized Cost of Energy and 15.6 M$ and 15.7 M$ as the Net Present Cost for the first and second systems respectively.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar, Wind, and Biomass Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems to Meet Electricity Demand of a Small Village in Bihar State of India

This study examines the potential use of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (consisting of photovoltaic, wind, bio, and diesel sources) both with and without the inclusion of battery storage in the eastern region of India. An evaluation is conducted to determine the economic viability of several system configurations, and the most efficient system is selected using HOMER software. The investigation focused on six distinct scenarios to meet the energy needs of a village community. The goal was to satisfy a daily load need of 1093.7 kWh, with a peak demand of 153.63 kW. The study examined many factors, such as system efficiency, financial viability, and ecological consequences. The primary aim of the research was to compare the power costs associated with different designs of HRES. Detailed techno-commercial assessments were carried out to examine the energy production, consumption, and financial impacts of each scenario. This research provides valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking reliable and long-lasting energy solutions by analyzing the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing HRES in rural areas. An evaluation is conducted to determine the energy contribution of each element within an RES, as well as the influence of HRES on energy expenses and net present value. The findings of this study reveal that the optimized hybrid system comprises 133 kW photovoltaic arrays, a 130-kW wind turbine, a 0.2 kW biogas generator, a 100-kW diesel generator, a 540-kWh battery bank with nominal capacity, and a 58-kW converter. This system has a minimum COE of 0.347$/kWh and NPC of $1.71M. The research offers useful insights for designers, scholars, and policymakers on the existing design constraints and policies of biomass-based hybrid systems.

Optimizing size and evaluating Techno-Enviro-Economic Feasibility of hybrid renewable energy to power RO/Well unit

The present investigation focuses on the Techno-Enviro-Economic assessment of a hybrid renewable energy system employing Homer software to identify an optimal system to power the Reverse Osmosis/Well (RO/Well) unit, with a capacity of 500 m3/d in the Salbukh region of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The proposed system encompasses photovoltaics (PV), a wind turbine (WT), fuel cells (FCs), a reformer (RF), an electrolyzer (Elec), a hydrogen tank (HT), and a battery (BT). The hybrid system, comprising 325 PV, 6 WT, 100 kW FCs, and a reformer that produces 6 kg of hydrogen (H2)/h, emerges as the most cost-effective and efficient solution, with a cost of energy (COE) amounting to $0.135/kWh. This configuration offers a balanced approach to energy generation, ensuring a more consistent energy supply, and enhancing system reliability. Although the 9 kg H2/hr RF-148 kW FCs system offers the lowest COE ($0.100/kWh), it relies entirely on fossil fuels, namely natural gas (NG). Conversely, the system is powered exclusively by renewable energy derived from PV planes, and WT records the highest COE ($0.199/kWh). The investigation provides valuable insights into developing sustainable energy solutions while taking cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and environmental considerations into account.

Integrative bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data from CD8+ T cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

IntroductionSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive inflammation that affects nearly all organ systems in the body. It is primarily mediated by auto-antibodies and immune complexes, and it predominantly affects women more than men. This study employs an in-silico approach to identify key genes potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. ObjectivesTo identify key genes potentially involved in SLE pathogenesis using in-silico approach. MethodsHigh-throughput sequencing dataset GSE97264, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, which contains RNA transcriptome data from CD8+ T-cells of 18 SLE patients and 14 healthy controls was utilized for the analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Bioconductor DESeq2 package in R platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the ToppGene suite. Motif analysis of the genes’ promoter regions was conducted using HOMER software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) and Reactome functional interaction (FI) networks were created using Cytoscape plugins StringApp and ReactomeFIViz, and analysed to identify hub genes. ResultsOur analysis identified 931 DEGs, with 577 upregulated and 354 downregulated. GO and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that upregulated genes were associated with immune responses, including cytokine production and receptor activation. Motif analysis identified key regulatory motifs linked to immune regulation in upregulated genes and T-cell activation in downregulated genes. PPI and FI networks analyses revealed 29 cell cycle-associated hub genes, with 10 genes—CDK1, TPX2, BIRC5, CCNA2, BUB1, BUB1B, AURKA, KIF2C, PLK1, and CDCA8—common to both biological networks, suggesting their crucial role in SLE pathogenesis. ConclusionThis study suggests that dysregulation of the identified 10 genes may impact immune responses and contribute to the autoimmune-like conditions observed in SLE. Several of these genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases, highlighting their potential as SLE biomarkers. Despite their known roles in other immune-related diseases involving CD8+ T cells, their direct association with SLE had not been previously established. This novel finding underscores the potential of these genes as therapeutic targets and may contribute to the development of diagnostic tools.

Climate-adaptive battery solutions for renewable microgrids: A case study in Indian coastal and inland regions

The utilization of renewable energy has the potential to alleviate global warming, reduce carbon emissions in the environment, and offer sustainable energy solutions to remote regions. Presently, 13 % of the worldwide population resides in isolated inland and coastal areas where electricity remains inaccessible. Consequently, implementing microgrids powered by renewable energy sources becomes essential to enhance electricity accessibility in these remote locations. This study aims to identify efficient and cost-effective renewable energy technologies suitable for deployment inland and coastal areas. The techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy systems is being evaluated in two distinct locations: Yadavole (inland) and Uppada (coastal) villages in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The energy analysis encompasses various sources, including photovoltaic, diesel generators, wind turbines, flywheels, and batteries (Li-ion and lead-acid). The HOMER software conducts all necessary modeling and simulations for economic analysis and optimal system sizing. According to the simulation results, the most viable microgrid configurations for the inland region, Yadavole, are photovoltaic/diesel and generator/Li-ion. In contrast, for the coastal region, Uppada, photovoltaic/diesel, and generator/lead-acid configurations prove to be the most promising configurations. Moreover, a MATLAB model of the proposed system is created to analyze energy quality. Given the superior performance of Li-ion batteries in elevated temperatures typically found inland, this study recommends a diversified range of battery solutions. Specifically, Li-ion batteries are recommended for inland areas, while lead-acid batteries are recommended for coastal regions. This approach aims to efficiently store renewable power by the specific climatic conditions of each area. It is crucial to systematically analyze region-specific renewable energy technologies to provide valuable insight to stakeholders involved in investment and energy policy decisions.

Multi-objective optimization of combined heat and power system integrated with multi-energy storage systems for rural communities

Renewable-based combined heat and power system (CHPS) benefit communities by enhancing energy resilience and reducing energy costs and emissions. Considering its reliability issues, previous studies integrated two or more energy sources or employed energy storage systems, compromising emission reduction or imposing an economic burden. To address this challenge, this study introduces three energy system schemes (ESSs) based on renewable, non-renewable, and hybrid energy resources. Each ESS includes various feasible configurations integrated with energy storage systems, such as batteries and hydrogen, resulting in 22 configurations modeled, optimized, and systematically investigated using HOMER software, considering energy-economic-environmental (3E) criteria to select the optimal system configuration (OSC). The introduced CHPS configurations are presented in a practical case study of a remote community in Pakistan. Results showcased that OSC belongs to a hybrid ESS with the following characteristics: (a) COE (0.127 $/kWh) and NPC (0.192 M$) are minimum among other configurations, (b) capacity shortage and unmet electric load are 0.21 % and 0.14 %, and (c) CO2 is reduced by 67.49 % compared to the base case. Furthermore, the 3E effect of adding a thermal load controller and batteries to the OSC is explored. The 3E results are inclusively compared with the existing literature, revealing that OSC is economical, reliable, and eco-friendly.

Towards Sustainable Energy Generation: Analyzing Wind Power Potential, Financial Viability, and Environmental Friendliness at Nok Kundi, Baluchistan

Pakistan is blessed with versatile renewable energy resources, solar and wind energies. Coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are the richest sources of wind energy, where adequate wind speeds are available for electricity generation. The Nok Kundi region of Balochistan has outstanding year-round wind speeds and tremendous potential for wind power generation. This study explores wind power potential, financial viability, and mitigation of carbon footprints. In this regard, simulations on the analysis of wind power potential, and financial viability are conducted in the ETAP and HOMMER software respectively. The data regarding the energy demand of Nok Kundi is obtained from Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) Quetta and the data on wind speeds is obtained from the World Weather Online platform. The ETAP software is used to conduct the load flow analysis of a grid-connected system. The full financial analysis considered the state-of-the-art wind power installation site of 40 megawatts capacity to meet Nok Kundi's energy demand. Furthermore, the simulations are conducted in two scenarios i.e. isolated and grid-connected systems. Financial assessments (including the calculation of required capital and operating expenses) are conducted for both isolated and grid-connected systems by using HOMER software. According to the findings of the research, the grid-connected system provided significant benefits in terms of revenues and seamless grid connections. The proposed wind power plant can potentially help reduce the carbon footprints. The present research concluded that the proposed wind power plant can produce 47,581,913 kWh/year and at the same time can mitigate the generation of 47.20 million Kg of carbon/year and an average of 3.93 million Kg/month. This research contributes to providing a detailed feasibility of wind power plants from financial and environmental perspectives. This study addresses Sustainable Development Goal# 13 (SDG 13: Climate Action).