Feasibility study of photovoltaic (PV)-diesel hybrid power systems for remote networks

Shafiullah, GM.ORCID: 0000-0002-2211-184X and Carter, C.E. (2015) Feasibility study of photovoltaic (PV)-diesel hybrid power systems for remote networks. In: 2015 IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - Asia (ISGT ASIA) 2015, 3 - 6 November 2015, Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

Stand-alone generators are mostly used to deliver power to consumers in isolated remote locations or rural communities, which usually increase the cost of energy generation. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are experiencing a world-wide rapid take-up due to their rapidly reducing cost and climate-friendly attributes. This study aims to develop a PV-Diesel hybrid power system for the remote township of Cue (27.4210S, 117.8960E), to investigate the techno-economic possibilities of integrating solar PV within the existing diesel network. Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) has been used to evaluate the performance of the hybrid power system based on the performance metrics: net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE), renewable fraction (RF) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Simulation, optimization and sensitivity analysis of the models has been performed and an optimum model selection has been made, based on techno-economic and environmental performance. From the simulation analysis, it is clearly observed that Cue, as well as other mid-west locations within Western Australia, has enormous potential for substantially increasing the use of solar PV in parallel with the existing stand-alone generators, thereby reducing the use of diesel fuel, generator operating hours, resulting in reduced energy costs and GHG emissions.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Engineering and Information Technology
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/31095

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