Optimal Design of a Hybrid Power System for a Remote Fishpond Based on Hydro-Turbine Performance Parameters

Abstract

This paper proposes an optimal solution for the design of a hybrid power system that will supply a remote fishpond in eastern Serbia. In terms of structure, this off-grid system should be a hydro-photovoltaic-diesel-converter-battery setup. The optimization objectives are to minimize total net present cost (NPC) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to maximize total annual electricity generation based on the modification of hydro-turbine performance. This study considers the following three cases of a hydro-turbine with fixed propeller blades: having fixed guide vanes, for the annual average flow rate-Case 1; having adjustable guide vanes, for smaller flow rates-Case 2 and having adjustable guide vanes, for higher flow rates-Case 3. The optimization is performed using HOMER Pro v. 3.16.2 software. The results show that the total NPC, levelized cost of energy (COE) and GHG emissions in Case 3 are 16.6%, 16.8% and 13.1% lower than in Case 1, and 8.1%, 8% and 11.7% lower than in Case 2, respectively. It is also found that the total annual electricity generation and power output from the entire system in Case 3 are 33.3% and 1.2% higher than in Case 1, and 11.9% higher and not different than in Case 2, respectively.