Performance evaluation of renewable-based sustainable micro-grid under predictive management control strategy: A case study of Gado refugee camp in Cameroon

Abstract

The recent use of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) is considered one of the most reliable ways to improve energy access to decentralized communities because of their techno-economic and environmental benefits. Many distant locales, such as camps in war-torn nations, lack basic necessities like power. This study proposes a remedy for power outages in these areas; by designing an HRES and a control system for monitoring, distributing, and managing the electrical power from sustainable energy sources to supply the load. Hence, providing affordable, reliable, and clean energy for all (Sustainable Development Goal 7). In this study, the feasibility and techno-economic performance of an HRES for a refugee camp was evaluated under load following (LF), cycle charging (CC), and predictive control strategy (PS). The optimization results revealed that the PS was the most suitable, as it had the lowest cost and was more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. The predictive control strategy had a 48-h foresight of the load demand and resource potential and hence could effectively manage the HRES. The total net present cost (NPC) for the electrification of this refugee camp was $3,809,822.54, and the cost of electricity generated for every kWh is $0.2018. Additionally, 991,240.32 kg of emissions can be avoided annually through the hybridization of the diesel generator under the PS.

Assessing the viability of a grid-connected PV power plant in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

“…where E AC is the daily power consumption in kWh/d, P i is the solar radiation at standard test conditions (STC) in kW/m 2 , G SR is the global solar radiation (kWh/m 2 /d), f PV is the PV derating factor, and η inv is the inverter yield (Yakub et al, 2022).…”

“…C capa is the annual capacity savings or income, C RE is the annual renewable energy (RE) production credit income, C GHG is the GHG reduction income, and C o&m is the annual operation and maintenance cost of the plant. C fuel is the annual fuel cost , which is zero for renewable projects (Yakub et al, 2022;Owolabi et al, 2019).…”

“…The software generated the outputs, such as the internal rate of return, net present value (NPV), annual life cycle savings, benefit-cost (B-C) ratio, debt service cost, energy production cost ($/kWh), payback period, and equity payback period, as shown in Table 4 from the input variables. According to Yakub et al (2022), the project's feasibility and acceptability depend on the NPV, internal rate of return (IRR), and payback period. The NPV is the difference between the present value of cash inflows and the current value of cash outflows over time for a project.…”

“…Renewable energy is essential because of its vital role in producing energy, among several other energy sources used worldwide. Many countries are shifting from conventional fossilfuel-based power generation to renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources (Same et al, 2022). Alternative and sustainable energy policies aim to address future energy demand challenges while simultaneously mitigating air pollution and combating climate change on a global scale.…”

Performance Assessment of Four Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Technologies under Similar Environmental Conditions in Nigeria

“…Although grid-connected PV performance may be analyzed with simulation software, assessing the existing PV systems using performance criteria is the most appropriate method to identify solar PV power generation potential in specific locations [22][23][24][25]. Numerous researchers have analyzed performance regarding system losses, deterioration, and other parameters influencing the PVs in various climatic and geographic areas [26][27][28][29][30]. Dobaria et al investigated a 5.05 kWp grid-connected PV system in western India over three years.…”