Optimal sizing and techno-economic analysis of a hybrid solar PV/wind/diesel generator system.

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.