Optimal design and performance analysis of a hybrid off-grid renewable power system considering different component scheduling, PV modules, and solar tracking systems
The concept of introducing hybrid off-grid systems has made electricity accessible to areas that are far or have no access to grid network. This paper evaluates the techno-economic and environmental characteristics of a hybrid renewable energy system considering three different scheduling approach...
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Published: |
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
2021
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Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/94442/ https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9416420 |
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Summary: | The concept of introducing hybrid off-grid systems has made electricity accessible to areas
that are far or have no access to grid network. This paper evaluates the techno-economic and environmental
characteristics of a hybrid renewable energy system considering three different scheduling approaches,
four different solar tracking systems, two different PV modules and eight scheduling scenarios to supply
sustainable electricity to a rural community in Sierra Leone. Each scenario consists of a solar tracking
system, a specific type of PV module and a scheduling approach. The aim is to find the most efficient
and cost-effective scenario that meets the electrical demands of the village. Results revealed that the ‘Two
axis tracking system’ generated the highest PV power, 28.8% additional power compared to the ‘No tracking
system’ confirming the superiority of using a tracking system though it comes with initial cost repercussions.
Also, systems that employed the use of Canadiasolar Dymond CS6K-285M-FG PV module tend to be more
efficient and cost-effective than those that employed Sharp ND-250QCS PV module even with the same
solar tracking technology and scheduling approach. From the best scheduling approach (third scheduling),
Scenario 7 (SC#7) gives the lowest net present cost (NPC) of $1.53M with $0.173/kWh cost of energy (COE)
and CO2 emission of 8.54 kg/yr making it the optimum scenario. A daily operation of the optimum scenario
on both a sunny and rainy day confirms that the system is capable of supplying the required electricity for both
rainy and dry seasons. Sensitivity analyses explain the high reliance of the system cost on the erratic inflation
rate, discount rate and PV derating factor. Maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment depends on
the minimum load ratio of both the biogas and diesel generators. |
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