Optimal Design of a Hybrid PV Solar/Micro-Hydro/Diesel/Battery Energy System for a Remote Rural Village under Tropical Climate Conditions

Abstract

Recently, off-grid renewable power generation systems have become good alternatives for providing reliable electricity at a low cost in remote areas. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, more than half the population of Nigerian rural communities are outside the electricity coverage area. This research examines the potential application of hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV)/hydro/diesel/battery systems to provide off-grid electrification to a typical Nigerian rural village. The performance of four different hybrid systems was evaluated via techno-economic and environmental analysis, and the optimized solution was selected using the HOMER analysis tool. The simulation results revealed that a hybrid PV solar/hydro/diesel with battery storage was the optimized solution and most suitable with the least net present cost (NPC) of $963,431 and a cost of energy (COE) of $0.112/kWh. The results also revealed that the optimal system prevented about 77.1% of CO2 gas emission from being released to the surrounding air as compared with the PV/diesel system (worst case). In addition, the results also showed better performance in technical aspects, making the system appropriate and ideal for rural electrification and clean energy development. Furthermore, the effects of varying some variables such as interest rate, solar radiation, water discharge, capacity shortage, and battery minimum state of charge on the system cost and operational performance were discussed via the sensitivity analysis because these parameters influence the economy and technical aspect of the power system.