Evaluation of PV-Wind Hybrid Energy System for a Small Island

Hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) consists of more than one type of renewable energy technology such as wind and solar. The main application of such energy systems is to provide electricity to remote areas such as villages and islands, where no other means of power generation are available. Present study includes the basic information about the working methodology and other characteristics of HRES. Furthermore, two case studies of HRES have also been included to demonstrate the practical working of such energy systems. In first case study the performance of a small HRES, consisting of photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines installed at Deokjeokdo island in South Korea, has been analyzed using real time measured experimental data. Second case study deals with the techno-economic optimization of HRES designed for fulfilling yearly electricity consumption of Deokjeokdo island. Out of multiple HRES solutions, two systems were declared as the optimal solutions based on lowest net present cost (NPC) and lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE)

A techno-economic analysis for power generation through wind energy:A case study of Pakistan

Pakistan needs to overcome the cost of power generation and the ever-increasing demand for energy with environment-friendly renewable energy resources. Several research efforts have been made with the support of Pakistan Meteorological Department in the last two decades for wind resource assessment (WRA) across the country. However, the practical installation of wind farms is quite a fraction of the total forecast wind energy potential. In this feasibility, WRA of Umerkot and Sujawal districts located in Sindh provinces of Pakistan has been analyzed by analyzing mean wind speeds, estimated Weibull parameters, power and energy densities calculation for various heights of selected wind turbines. Further, this paper analyzes the overall energy potential for these locations with implementation cost and pay-back period for investment. These locations are selected by the World Bank initiative of wind profiling campaigns to record wind speed data during 2016 and 2018 with 10 min resolution. It is observed that Umerkot and Sujawal sites are suitable for energy production. The highest values of power and energy densities for Sujawal are 414.18 W/m2 and 3628.22 kWh/m2∕Yr and for Umerkot these values are 303.86 W/m2 and 2661.81 kWh/m2/Yr. The results indicate that using Nordex N90/2500 wind turbines are highly beneficial for Umerkot and Sujawal. The associated costs of energy are 0.074 $/kWh and 0.056$kWh respectively and the payback period is estimated to be around 7 years with 20 years life time of the project. This work suggests the possibility of wind farm installation and commissioning based on power density calculation and cost of land acquisition. This work emphasizes the investment for wind farms at Sujawal and Umerkot for the sustainable growth of the country. This helps out policymakers for long term planning, development of wind energy projects and attracting investment for the country

Comparative evaluation of rural electrification project plans: A case study in Mexico

Rural electrification project plans (REPP) aim to expand electricity access through adequate systems for communities without this service in developing countries. Many REPP have been developed, using different strategies in terms of energy uses covered, energy resources, electricity distribution and management models. This paper aims to analyze and compare REPP strategies. To do so, an evaluation methodology is developed, using a novel three-level assessment approach: the general definition at regional scale, the technical design at local scale, and the operation and maintenance (O&M) management. More specifically, ad hoc criteria are defined at each level to examine REPP fulfilment through quantitative and qualitative indicators. As case study, three plans from Chiapas (Mexico) are evaluated: national grid extension with national O&M; individual photovoltaic systems with regional O&M; and wind-photovoltaic microgrids with local O&M. Thus, the strengths and limitations of each REPP are identified in terms of strategies at regional scale, local scale and management model. Results show the ability of large plans to provide electricity to many families, while small plans may be adapted to the specific needs of end-users. The proposed criteria and indicators can be easily adjusted to evaluate REPP in different contexts to strengthen future plan strategiesPeer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Wind-to-hydrogen production potential for selected sites in Pakistan

This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of wind energy potential for Hydrogen production under local conditions of Pakistan from the design, development and practical implementation perspectives. Simulations were performed for three sites - Bahawalpur, Sanghar and Gwadar using actual wind speed site data, recorded between 2016 and 2018, at intervals of 10 minute. For the selected sites, wind resource assessment was performed using the Weibull distribution function parameters, energy and wind-power density calculations at hub heights of 20m, 40m, 60m and 80m of the wind turbines. It was observed that Sanghar is the most suitable site for wind-to-Hydrogen production potential with power and energy density of 305.86W/m{2} and 2665.81kWh/m{2} , respectively. From the implementation perspective, the Nordex N90/2500 wind turbine at an 80m hub height was found to be beneficial for Sanghar with a cost of energy of 35.21/MWh (0.035/kWh). The cost of Hydrogen using an electrolyzer for 7-year long-term investment was 2.29 k/ton using Nordex N90/2500 turbine. Based on the available power density and land area, a general scheme for production of Hydrogen using electrolysis can be implemented with possibility of installation and commissioning of wind farms

Performance and cost benefit analyses of university campus microgrid.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban.Affordable and clean energy is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by the year 2030. Renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, solar are free and inexhaustible globally to produce clean, reliable and cost effective power. However, most renewable energy sources are intermittent, to overcome this barrier, the concept of microgrid has been deployed in many applications to aggregate renewable energy resources, energy storage system and energy management system for sustainable, reliable, economical and environmental - friendly power system. Furthermore, considering the continuous increase in the cost of electricity and recent load shedding in South Africa, universities can reduce cost of energy demand, avoid interruption of academic activities due to load shedding and develop a test-bed or laboratory in which students and faculty staff can conduct research to advance modern power system through a self-sustaining microgrid. The university is like a separate entity and can operate as an island with sufficient resources to meet her energy demands. This thesis analyses the performance of a university campus microgrid using the five campuses of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal as case studies considering economical and environmental benefits. Three different studies are carried out to achieve the aim and objectives of this work. The first study considers a grid connected microgrid using the real time data from the university energy management system, the modelling and simulations are implemented in HOMER Grid®. The main objective is to determine the optimal generation mix and size of a hybrid system consisting of the utility (eThekwini Electricity), solar PV, wind turbine, diesel generator and battery system taking into consideration the cost of energy (COE), net present cost (NPC), return on investment (ROI), payback period (PBP), utility cost saving and CO2 emission reduction. The second study aims to optimize the operational cost of a hybrid power system (PV-Wind-Diesel Generator-Battery) using two campuses as case studies. The objective function is formulated as a non-linear cost function and solved using a MATLAB function, ‘quadprog’ considering daily demands during summer and winter study and vacation periods with the aim of comparing the fuel costs and assess the effectiveness of the hybrid system. The third study proposes a novel optimization algorithm, the Quantum-behaved bat algorithm (QBA) to solve combined economic and emission dispatch (CEED) problem in an off-grid microgrid with onsite thermal generators and renewable energy sources (PV and Wind). The results obtained from these studies show and validate the fact that renewable energy source (RES) can be used to meet university energy demands in an economical way and reduce carbon footprint on campuses. It is observed from the result that the annual utility bill savings range from R3.97 million to R17.42 million and directly proportional to the peak load. The average emission reduction for all campuses is 49.6% except Pietermaritzburg where it is 33.7 %. In addition, the results will help university management as well as city management to invest wisely in renewables for energy sustainability and reliability

Exploring the efficacy of solar photovoltaic application as an alternative energy source for rural households in Atok, Limpopo

M.Phill. (Energy Studies)Abstract: The use of traditional biomass fuels in rural households is alarming, as it prevails even among electrified households. Traditional biomass fuels such as firewood have health, economic, and environmental implications that need to be managed to improve household livelihood. Interventions are required to mitigate the use of biomass fuels and help households’ transition to cleaner and sustainable fuels. The aim of this study was to understand the factors influencing the choice of fuel type in households of two of the ten Atok villages in the Limpopo Province and gauge the use of solar photovoltaic as an alternative fuel against the currently used fuels. To achieve the aforementioned, qualitative research methodology was adopted. A random sample of 80 households took part in the survey guided by a questionnaire. Moreover, statistical analyses were conducted to test the relationship between the fuels utilised and factors influencing fuel choice in the area. The study found that electricity, firewood, and candles are the primary fuels used by the community. Additionally, it was ascertained that factors influencing the choice of fuel type include income level, convenience, fuel accessibility, age and level of education of the homeowner, household size, food taste, culture and tradition. Chi-square analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between age of homeowner and fuel choice, as well as age of homeowner and their dependence on food taste to select a cooking fuel. To determine the most feasible energy fuel (i.e., financially, and economically), a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for electricity, firewood, and solar Photovoltaic (PV) was determined for a period of 20 years (2020 to 2040). Albeit the fact that solar PV has positive social, health, and environmental benefits for the rural households of Atok, the finding reflect it to be the costliest option with LCOE of R4,69 ($0.31)1/kWh. Ultimately, this research provides essential information for energy authorities and policymakers in guiding, developing, and improving policies related to rural energy development

Modelo técnico, económico y financiero asequible en sistemas energéticos, basado en microrredes de fuentes renovables para la electrificación rural

Colombia y el mundo se encuentran en la búsqueda de soluciones y estrategias que permitan alcanzar la universalización de la energía, en especial para aquellas comunidades de bajos ingresos y alta vulnerabilidad. En Colombia existen alrededor de 500,000 familias sin servicio de energía eléctrica, lo cual limita su desarrollo económico y productivo, así como su calidad de vida. Con las estrategias actuales, el país pronostica alcanzar este objetivo en un periodo de 50 años, lo cual retrasará al país medio siglo más. Las fuentes renovables de energía han sido una iniciativa muy eficiente para la energización de zonas rurales aisladas. A nivel nacional existe un gran potencial en este tipo de fuentes en especial en zonas no interconectadas, no obstante, la inversión en estos sistemas sigue siendo muy poco asequible para comunidades pobres de países en vía de desarrollo. Una de las barreras que limitan el acceso son la ausencia de esquemas administrativos y financieros que permitan la auto sostenibilidad de los proyectos en sus cuatro dimensiones (técnica, social, ambiental y económico financiera). En especial los esquemas financieros son los menos valorados en la formulación de este tipo de proyectos. El proyecto de investigación doctoral realizó el diseño un modelo técnico, económico y financiero asequible en sistemas energéticos basado en Microrredes de fuentes renovables para la electrificación rural a través de una investigación cuantitativa de alcance correlacional, no experimental, mediante un caso de estudio en una población del Pacífico colombiano caracterizada como zona no interconectada. El desarrollo de la investigación implicó la programación de un modelo de optimización estocástico para el dimensionamiento y la operación del sistema de generación incluyendo patrones de consumo y un amplio perfil de la demanda. La comunidad de La Plata es un asentamiento que se encuentran en una importante condición de vulnerabilidad debido a sus altos índices de pobreza multidimensional (42.01%) y pobreza monetaria (75%). La ampliación de la cobertura de energía a través de un sistema de generación impactaría de manera positiva las actividades principales de los habitantes, aumentando su productividad e ingresos. El proyecto podría realizarse a través de la implementación de un modelo financiero que sufrague un sistema de generación solar individual o una microrred a través de los modelos de ventanilla única y PAYGo, los cuales han resultado más asequibles en términos técnicos, económico financieros, ambientales y sociales.Colombia and the world search solutions and strategies that allow the achievement the universalization of energy, especially for those communities with low income and high vulnerability. There are around 500,000 families without electricity service in Colombia, which limits their economic and productive development, as well as their quality of life. The national government has said that it will take 50 years to solve this specific problem. Renewable sources of energy have been an efficient strategy of the National Government to cover these isolated rural areas. However, it is not easy for the communities themselves to invest in these kinds of systems, they usually do not have the management skills and financial knowledge that it is necessary to implement these kinds of system in their four basic dimensions: technical, social, environmental and economic-financial. This PhD project had designed an affordable technical, economic and financial model in energy systems based on microgrids of renewable sources for rural electrification. Its design was a qualitative correlational research as a case study. The research designed a stochastic optimization model for the dimensioning and operation of the generation system, including consumption patterns and a broad demand profile. It was developed in the population of La Plata in the Pacific region in Colombia which has high levels of vulnerability as its multidimensional poverty (42.01%) and monetary poverty (75%). The best model to implement this system on rural non-interconnected areas was the financial model that pays for an individual solar generation system or a microgrid through the one stop shop and PAYGo models, which have been more affordable in technical, economic, financial, environmental and social terms

Hydrohumanities

From drought to deluge, climate extremes are mobilizing humanities scholars to reimagine water discourse, which has until now largely focused on human power over water. This volume unites preeminent and emerging voices across humanistic disciplines to develop a new discourse called the hydrohumanities, dedicated to examining water-human-power relationships.;Organized into three themes in water studies—agency, fluid identities, and cultural currencies—Hydrohumanities exemplifies how interdisciplinary approaches can transform water conversations. Part One explores the properties of water and the ways water challenges human plans for control. Part Two explores how water (or its absence) shapes human collective and individual identities. Part Three engages notions of value and circulation to think about how water has been employed for local, national, and international gains. This volume shows how humanities scholarship has world-changing potential to achieve more just water futures.;“This fascinating essay collection breaks new ground with its interdisciplinary insights into the relations between water and human societies.” MATTHEW GANDY, author of The Fabric of Space: Water, Modernity, and the Urban Imagination;“Water’s power, purpose, and meaning cannot be contained by any one scholarly discipline. Understanding the value of water in a time of climate catastrophe demands more-than-human humanities, and Hydrohumanities answers this call.” ASTRIDA NIEMANIS, author of Bodies of Water: Posthuman Feminist Phenomenolog

Hydrohumanities

From drought to deluge, climate extremes are mobilizing humanities scholars to reimagine water discourse, which has until now largely focused on human power over water. This volume unites preeminent and emerging voices across humanistic disciplines to develop a new discourse called the hydrohumanities, dedicated to examining water-human-power relationships.;Organized into three themes in water studies—agency, fluid identities, and cultural currencies—Hydrohumanities exemplifies how interdisciplinary approaches can transform water conversations. Part One explores the properties of water and the ways water challenges human plans for control. Part Two explores how water (or its absence) shapes human collective and individual identities. Part Three engages notions of value and circulation to think about how water has been employed for local, national, and international gains. This volume shows how humanities scholarship has world-changing potential to achieve more just water futures.;“This fascinating essay collection breaks new ground with its interdisciplinary insights into the relations between water and human societies.” MATTHEW GANDY, author of The Fabric of Space: Water, Modernity, and the Urban Imagination;“Water’s power, purpose, and meaning cannot be contained by any one scholarly discipline. Understanding the value of water in a time of climate catastrophe demands more-than-human humanities, and Hydrohumanities answers this call.” ASTRIDA NIEMANIS, author of Bodies of Water: Posthuman Feminist Phenomenolog