Assessment of a decentralized grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) / wind / biogas hybrid power system in northern Nigeria

Abstract

Electricity is considered a fundamental service which is highly correlated with sustainable development. Nigeria will serve as a case study that has been experiencing an energy deficit, and severely needs a strong adoption of alternative energy sources. This paper provides a detailed assessment of a grid-connected photovoltaic/wind/biogas hybrid energy system in the northern part of Nigeria using a combined Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER), Microsoft Excel, and Ganzleitliche Bilanz (GaBi) tools. They are based on techno-economic modeling and optimization as well as comparison with the same configuration in its off-grid form. Sensitivity analysis as well as an energy efficiency assessment of the proposed grid-connected system was carried out, followed by a supplementary economic benefit assessment of a system switch over and an evaluation of the impacts of life cycle emissions. A wrap-up reliability assessment based on the utility grid status quo and policy implications was also carried out. The results of the analysis for the grid-connected system showed a 3% increase in the overall energy supply, and a 68% and 85% decrease in net present costs (NPC) and levelized costs of energy (LCOE), respectively, with avoided emissions as compared to its comparable off-grid configuration. Moreover, the energy efficiency (EE) determined for the proposed grid-connected system resulted in a massive reduction in the component sizing, energy supply, and an ultimate 88% and 81% reduction in overall NPC and LCOE, respectively. The sensitivity analysis as well as the other supplementary evaluations indicated clear impacts on the different performance measures.

Simulation and optimization of hydrogen-based hybrid renewable energy systems: Software tools and applications

“…Literatures [11][12][13][14][15] are works using HOMER software to simulate and optimize hybrid renewable energy systems conducted by using HOMER software.…”

“…The generated electricity that exceeds the demand can be converted into thermal energy through TLC to reduce energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Jumare et al [13] evaluated and optimized a gridconnected solar/wind/biogas HRES and compared it with an HRES with the same configuration in an off-grid state. The results displayed that the energy generated in the grid-connected state increased while net present costs (NPC), levelized costs of energy (LCOE), and carbon dioxide emissions decreased.…”

Energy Self-Sufficient Livestock Farm as the Example of Agricultural Hybrid Off-Grid System

“…The climatic risk is the occurrence of long interruptions in the supply of electricity from the national grid caused by damage stemming from weather factors, e.g., strong wind, snowfall, or freezing rain. Its occurrence and ailments are reduced by HRES microsystems independent of the national network, which are also an energy reserve for this network [26].…”

“…In addition, the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources in rural areas can reduce environmental pollution also in surrounding towns. The use of alternative energy sources makes communication more accessible and minimizes dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn reduces the negative impact on the environment [22,26].…”

“…An important role in hybrid and off-grid solutions [24,26,29,30,[33][34][35][36][37][38] and systems is played by energy storage units. The evolution of the energy market towards micro production of electrical energy and heat implicates certain problems with unpredictable energy production profiles and its balancing in hybrid systems.…”