Abstract:
Hybrid power systems that combine wind and solar PV technology have been widely
employed for power generation, particularly for electrification in remote and islanding
locations, because they are more cost-effective and reliable than traditional power systems.
This article intends to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective hybrid power
system for selected critical loads in the Avuto community of Ghana. Following the acquisition
of site data, a hybrid solar PV, wind, diesel generator, and converter analysis was conducted
using HOMER software to establish the appropriate sizing of system components based on
technical and economic parameters such as load served, annual electricity production, net
present cost (NPC), emission, Operating cost, Fuel consumption and energy cost (COE).
Based on the optimization computational results, it can be stated that the combination of
system components, including solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and diesel generator, is a good
fit for the application region and might be used for rural and island electrification in the future.
The suggested energy system has an LCOE of 0.39 US$/kWh for the 1.08 US$/litre diesel fuel
cost and a 3.33-year payback period, with 58.8 kW for PV, 7 units for 3 kW wind turbines, 10
kW for diesel generator, and 6.99 kW for the converter. In terms of emission reduction, the
proposed case presented a 55% emission reduction from the base case scenario.
