FEASIBILITY STUDY OF STAND-ALONE HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN NIGERIA: THE CASE STUDY OF ALA-AJAGBUSI COMMUNITY

Abstract

In this study, the energy demand of Ala-Ajagbusi
community is met by simulation using hybrid energy
system which consists of wind energy as primary energy
source combined with diesel generator and researchable
batteries. The community is situated in a remote area
without electrical network access. The most suitable
hybrid energy system based on the energy resources
(wind and solar) available at the site is determined by
simulation using HOMER while considering that energy
continuity is maintained by using diesel generator and
sufficient number of batteries. A life-cycle cost analysis
is carried out over 20 year’s system lifetime. For each
combination, the necessary number of batteries to
continuously supply the community with energy is
calculated and economic analysis of each system is
performed. The simulation results demonstrate that
wind/diesel/battery hybrid system is the most suitable
option with optimal size of 300kW diesel generator, 3
numbers of Enercon-E33 wind turbines, 200 numbers of
Trojan LI6P battery and 200kW converter. The option
represents renewable energy fraction of 74% with total
Net Present Cost (NPC) of $9,605,548 and Cost of
Energy (COE) of $0.373/kWh. The result also show
saving of 1,186,082kg/yr of carbon dioxide (CO2) and
2,928kg/yr of carbon monoxide (CO) compared to nonrenewable generation option (diesel generator only).