⎯ this research investigates the optimal buoy shape for a conceptual point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) for harnessing low amplitude sea waves characteristic of the Gulf of Guinea coast. It has been established that shape of buoy is one of the main parameter affecting the efficiency of a point absorber WEC. Based on best buoy shapes as reported in literature, two shapes are selected for comparison: cone-cylinder composite buoy and Concave wedge shaped buoy. The WEC's buoy and the power take off were mathematically modelled as a mass-spring-damper system. The buoys hydrodynamic coefficients were computed using strip theory, while the simulation in the time domain was executed using MATLAB. Impute parameters referred to as the sea states, in five levels, were described by the significant wave height Hs and the corresponding energy period Te, typical of the gulf. Output parameters are displacement, velocity, acceleration and force of the buoys, as well as the instantaneous power output of the WEC. For the levels considered, the optimum sea state for the two buoys peaked at level 4 (Hs = 1.5 m, Te = 14 s), with concave wedge buoy having an optimal power output of 8 kW while that of cone-cylinder being 3.7 kW. For the other levels the wedge buoy also consistently gives relatively greater power output than the cone cylinder buoy.
This paper presents a study on the viability of a hybrid electric system as a power supply option for a university campus community. An energy audit of the campus was carried out and an optimum configuration and sizing of a hybrid system for the community was achieved through a simulation in which hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) software is employed. Sources considered in the hybridization are a diesel engine generator, solar photovoltaic, wind energy, and a battery energy storage system. Descriptions of each of these components, resource specifications, as well as installation, operating, and maintenance costs, along with the project's lifespan, are supplied as input parameters. From the energy profiling, a daily peak power requirement of 1,750.37 kW was obtained for the campus, with an estimated daily peak consumption of 13,981.10 kWh and a yearly peak consumption of 3,509,530.88 kWh. Sensitivity analysis of the system showed that, out of 60 possible options, a hybrid configuration composed of a diesel engine generator/battery energy storage system (DEG/BESS) has the optimum advantage based on the techno‐economic implications. With its total initial capital investment of $285,940; per year operating cost of $429,315; lowest net present cost of $4,868,783 and $0.469/kWh energy cost, the winning configuration compares favorably with the diesel engine generator (DEG)‐only option that is currently in use on the campus. However, the runner‐up to the optimal option is a diesel engine generator/solar photovoltaic/battery energy storage system (DEG/PV/BESS) hybrid, which has inherent potential for more enhanced overall performances, as its two energy sources complement each other. The runner‐up option could, therefore, be more reliably adopted as the most feasible and affordable electricity backup solution for the campus community.
Wind energy potentials of some selected high altitude and coastal areas in Nigeria are assessed for possible utilization for the generation of electricity. The main aim is to provide pragmatic insight that will enhance the investment in wind energy conversion systems in an optimal manner. The data used in this present study were obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, which includes average wind speeds per day of four locations across the country, measured at the anemometer height of 10 m over a period of 11 years. With the sites classified based on their wind power densities, the capacity factor estimation value was used to select the most suitable turbine for the selected sites, and the present value cost method was employed to estimate the unit cost of energy of the turbine at various hub-heights. The results obtained from this study reveal that Jos, Kano and Ikeja are economically viable as well as having excellent wind resources integration into the grid, while P/H is viable for a standalone application. The outcome of the study provides useful information that will aid renewable energy policymakers in Nigeria for wind energy development.
Cocoa and kolanut harvest wastes of 681,000 and 90,000 tons respectively, are generated in Nigeria annually. HHVs of the two agro-residues are 15.19 and 13.87 MJ/kg respectively, with their blends having values within this range. The optimal blend composition of the two agro-residues has electric power generation potential estimated at 29,000 MW.
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