Design of A Photovoltaic-Wind Hybrid Power Generation System for Ethiopian Remote Area
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis presents the design of a hybrid electric power generation system utilizing both wind
and solar energy for supplying model community living in Ethiopian remote area. The work
was begun by investigating wind and solar energy potentials of the desired site, compiling data
from different sources and analyzing it using a software tool.
The data regarding wind speed and solar irradiation for the site understudy are collected from
the National Metrological Agency (NMA) and analyzed using the software tool HOMER. The
results related to wind energy potential are given in terms of the monthly average wind speed,
the wind speed PDF, the wind speed CDF, the wind speed DC, and power density plot for the
site. Whereas the solar energy potential, has been given in the form of solar radiation plots for
the site. According to the results obtained through the analysis, the site has abundant solar
energy potential and the wind energy potential is unquestionably high enough to be exploited
for generating electric energy using wind turbines with low cut-in wind speed.
The design of a standalone PV-wind hybrid power generating system has proceeded based on
the promising findings of these two renewable energy resource potentials, wind and solar.
Electric load for the basic needs of the community such lighting, water pumping, a radio
receiver, flour mill and medical equipment for a health clinic has been suggested. The
simulations and design has been carried out using the HOMER software.
By running the software the simulation results which are lists of power supply systems have
been generated and arranged in ascending order according to their net present cost. Sensitivity
variables, such as range of wind speed, solar radiation, PV panel price and diesel price have
been defined as inputs into the software and the optimization process has been carried out
repeatedly for the sensitivity variables and the results have been refined accordingly.
Keywords: hybrid renewable energy system, wind energy, photovoltaic, HOMER, PV-wind
hybrid, standalone system
Description
Keywords
hybrid renewable energy system, Wind energy, Photovoltaic, Homer, PV-wind hybrid, Standalone system