Feasibility Study of Power Generation Using Off- Grid Energy System from Micro Hydro-PV-Diesel Generator-Battery for Rural Area of Ethiopia: The Case of Indris River, Western Ethiopia
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Date
2017-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In Ethiopia, electricity supply is extremely antiquated. When compared to other African
countries, electric supply system and overall electric access in Ethiopia is very low. As in most
Sub-Saharan Africa countries, Ethiopia experiences huge gap to access electric supply to urban
and rural areas. Accordingly, Melkey Hera village is one of a rural community situated in
Western Ethiopia, and experiences problems related to access to electric supply. In this village,
extension of the grid is not yet practical. Therefore, the target of this paper is to investigate the
viability of a micro hydro, Photo Voltaic (PV) and Diesel Generator-battery hybrid power
system options to come up with the best techno-economic and optimum configuration for
supplying electricity to this village. The study conducted by an assessment of the predicted
village energy demand, the available renewable energy resources, and then using the software
called HOMER. The optimal off- grid system design was established to combine hydro, solar PV,
battery energy storage and diesel generator. This system demonstrated to be more reliable in
operation, and the most cost-effective for the required level of service. The role of energy storage
in system operation also demonstrated to offer additional operational advantages in-terms of
reliability and cost savings. Overall, the design results show that the majority of energy obtained
is from hydropower, which accounts 79%. The PV module covers 20%, and diesel generator is
only 1% of the total load consumption. The renewable fraction (RF) of the project is 99%, which
implies the total energy almost obtained from renewable system only and the system is
environmentally friendly. The obtained hybrid system is cost competitive with $0.133/kWh, which
is somewhat good to satisfy the community needs. However, this is more than current energy
price in Ethiopia, which is $0.06/kWh. If due-merit is given to the electricity deficiency of the
country, this higher cost should not be given concern. However, the project requires government
subsidies to make service affordable. Finally, this study identified that off grid hybrid micro
hydro-PV-DG-battery bank energy system is cost effective and environmentally friendly in
delivering power for rural areas far from the grid. Moreover, the study provides valuable
information to the government and Non-government organization (NGO) about the renewable
energy potential of the country for a rural electrification project in Ethiopia.
Keywords: Hybrid System, Renewable Energy, HOMER, Photovoltaic, Micro Hydro, Feasibility
Description
Keywords
Hybrid System, Renewable Energy, HOMER, Photovoltaic, Micro Hydro, Feasibility