1

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF HYBRID SYSTEM FOR

ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN RURAL AREA (MICROTURBINE,

BIODIESEL, SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY/MTBDSPB)

HAYDER JASIM KAREEM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MALAYSIA

4

MODELING AND SIMULATION OF HYBRID SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICITY

GENERATION IN RURAL AREA (MICROTURBINE, BIODIESEL, SOLAR

PHOTOVOLTAIC AND BATTERY/MTBDSPB)

HAYDER JASIM KAREEM

A project report submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of the degree of

Master of Engineering (Electrical-Power)

Faculty of Electrical Engineering

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

JANUARY 2015

iii

Dedicated

To

My beloved parents, wife, daughter, and son

A tribute

To

My country Iraq & all those who contributed to this project

Finally

To

My sources of inspiration and strength, who have dedicated their years supporting

my study that make me feel proud and fortunate, always been great sources of

encouragement.

iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to thank my dearest Allah (S.W.T) to make me able

to complete this research on time and answered my prayers at every steps of this

research. I want to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues, my parents,

and especially my family members who supported and prayed for me a lot, because

of whom my graduation has been completed successfully and smoothly.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation

to my supervisor, Dr. Yanuar Z. Arief for his full commitment in giving those

valuable advices, motivation, guidance, and encouragement during her supervision

period. Without her patience and assistance, the project and thesis would not have

been the same as all the information given by her was very useful to me in order to

have better understanding.

I would like to thank my parents for their endless support and for allowing

me to realize my own potential. You are always there for me, ready to sacrifice a lot,

especially during these hard times, so I could gain this amazing experience.

Words cannot express my thanks to my wife Areej, my daughter Rawan and my son

Ahmed for their constant motivation, support and love for their non-stopping support

during the period of my study and for believing in me and in my work. I also thank

my uncle Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim, and his wife. …… God bless you all.

v

ABSTRACT

Design and implementation of an efficient yet techno-economic hybrid generator

for off-grid electric supply is challenging. The cost-effectiveness and convenience

offered by off-grid rural electrification system that integrates various renewable energy

sources (RESs) became inevitable for areas where grid connection is neither available

nor feasible. A hybrid combination of renewable energy technologies (RETs) is proven

to be a suitable alternative over expensive grid extension for remote areas worldwide.

This study proposes a hybrid model for electricity generation by assimilating renewable

resources such as solar photovoltaic (SPV) and microturbine (MT) together with

biodiesel generator (BDG) to fulfill the electricity demand of an off-grid remote village

Perkampungan Orang Asli Sungai Jahai, Perak in Malaysia. The suitable renewable

energy resources for the proposed hybrid system are identified to determine the daily

load profile and cost-effectiveness that can be afforded by the villagers. The model is

further simulated using HOMER software to evaluate the optimum performance of the

hybrid system where the abovementioned village is taken for case study. The simulated

results are analyzed, compared, and understood. The load demand pattern of the village

over different months is accurately computed. The sizes of MT, SPV, and BD systems

are optimized to achieve the minimized cost of energy (COE) generation. It is

demonstrated that the use of decentralized RETs at an off-grid location is indeed the best

alternative towards grid extension. Furthermore, HOMER data reveals the sustainability,

techno-economic viability, and environmental friendliness of the proposed model based

energy solution. The sensitivity analysis by combining MT, SPV, and BD is found to

achieve the COE generation of $0.309 kWh which is much more than the present heavily

subsidized electricity tariff of rural area in Malaysia (3.3 cent/kWh). Although, the COE

obtained from the proposed hybrid system is nearly 10 times higher but it is significantly

lower than a diesel generator alone ($0.70/kWh). The admirable features of the results

suggest that the proposed hybrid generator may be beneficial for off-grid electricity

generation and supply in remote rural regions.

vi

ABSTRAK

Reka bentuk dan pelaksanaan penjana hibrid berkesan lagi tekno-ekonomi untuk

bekalan elektrik luar grid adalah mencabar. Keberkesanan kos dan kemudahan yang

ditawarkan oleh sistem pembekalan elektrik luar grid luar bandar yang mengintegrasikan

pelbagai sumber tenaga yang boleh diperbaharu (RESs) menjadi tidak dapat dielakkan

bagi kawasan yang mana sambungan grid adalah tidak tersedia atau tidak dilaksanakan.

Gabungan hibrid teknologi tenaga boleh diperbaharu (RETs) terbukti menjadi alternatif

yang sesuai kepada pelanjutan grid yang mahal bagi kawasan terpencil di seluruh dunia.

Kajian ini mencadangkan satu model hibrid bagi penjanaan elektrik melalui asimilasi

sumber boleh diperbaharu seperti fotovolta solar (SPV) dan mikroturbin (MT) bersama-

sama dengan penjana biodiesel (BDG) bagi memenuhi permintaan elektrik daripada

kampung terpecil luar grid iaitu Perkampungan Orang Asli Sungai Jahai, Perak di

Malaysia. Sumber tenaga boleh diperbaharu yang sesuai untuk sistem hibrid yang

dicadangkan telah dikenal pasti bagi menentukan profil beban harian dan keberkesanan

kos yang dapat diberikan oleh penduduk kampung. Model ini selanjutnya disimulasi

menggunakan perisian HOMER untuk menilai prestasi optimum sistem hibrid yang

mana kampung dinyatakan di atas diambil untuk kajian kes. Keputusan simulasi

dianalisis, dibandingkan, dan difahami. Corak permintaan beban kampung ini ke atas

bulan yang berbeza dikira dengan tepat. Saiz sistem MT, SPV, dan BD dioptimumkan

bagi mencapai kos yang diminimumkan tenaga (COE) generasi. Ia menunjukkan bahawa

penggunaan RETs terpencar pada lokasi luar grid sememangnya adalah alternatif terbaik

terhadap pelanjutan grid. Tambahan pula, data HOMER mendedahkan kelestarian,

tekno-ekonomi daya maju, dan mesra alam sekitar bagi model yang dicadangkan

berasaskan penyelesaian tenaga. Analisis kepekaan dengan menggabungkan MT, SPV,

dan BD didapati mencapai penjanaan COE bagi $ 0.309 kWh yang jauh melebihi tarif

elektrik yang disubsidi dengan banyak sekarang bagi kawasan luar bandar di Malaysia

(3.3 sen/kWj). Walaupun, COE yang diperolehi daripada sistem hibrid yang

dicadangkan adalah hampir 10 kali ganda lebih tinggi tetapi ianya adalah jauh lebih

rendah berbanding penjana diesel sahaja ($ 0.70/kWj). Ciri-ciri yang mengagumkan

daripada hasil kajian mencadangkan bahawa penjana hibrid yang dicadangkan boleh

memberi manfaat bagi penjanaan elektrik luar grid dan bekalan di kawasan-kawasan

terpencil luar bandar.

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

DECLARATION ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

ABSTRACT v

ABSTRAK vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF TABLES xi

LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

xiii

xvii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Background and Motivation 2

1.3 Problem Statement 3

1.4 Research Objectives 5

1.5 Scope of the Project 5

1.6 Benefit of Renewable Energy 6

1.7 Thesis Outline 7

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 9

2.1 Introduction 9

2.2 Overview of NREPAP Targets for RE

Development in Malaysia 11

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2.3 Grid Connected and Stand-alone Systems 12

2.4 Photovoltaic (PV) Power System 13

2.4.1 Modeling of Photovoltaic Arrays 14

2.4.2 Calculation of Hourly Solar Radiation 17

2.5 Microturbine (MT) 18

2.5.1 Microturbine Generation (MTG) System 18

2.5.2 Types of Microturbine Systems 20

2.5.3 Performance Characteristics 21

2.5.4 Utilization of Microturbine for

Cogeneration Purposes 22

2.5.5 Environmental Considerations of

Operation of Microturbines 23

2.6 Biodiesel Generator (BDG) 24

2.7 Fuel 26

2.7.1 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 26

2.7.1.1 CNG as Fuel Characteristics 28

2.7.2 Biodiesel 29

2.7.2.1 Palm Biodiesel 31

2.7.2.2 Transesterification Process 32

2.8 Storage Battery 34

2.8.1 Type of Battery 35

2.8.2 Lead Acid Battery Construction and

Performance 36

2.8.3 Mathematical Model 38

2.8.3.1 Calculation of Storage Capacity

of a Battery 38

2.8.3.2 Energy Stored in the Battery in

Charging/Discharging Modes 39

2.8.4 Battery Charger 40

2.9 Bidirectional Converter 41

2.9.1 PV Side Power Control and Maximum

Power Point Tracking 42

2.9.2 Boost Circuit and its Control 42

ix

2.9.3 Battery Energy Storage System 43

2.9.4 Control off Grid-Connected Inverter 44

2.10 HOMER 44

2.10.1 The Selection of HOMER to Simulate the

HPSs. 44

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 46

3.1 Assessment of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) 46

3.2 Systematic Framework 47

3.3 Methods and System Description 49

3.4 The Location 50

3.5 Simulation Inputs 51

3.5.1 Component Selection 51

3.5.2 Solar Radiation 52

3.5.3 Input Load 53

3.5.3.1 Electrical Load 53

3.5.3.2 Thermal Load 55

3.5.4 PV Inputs 56

3.5.5 Batteries Input 58

3.5.6 Biodiesel Generator Input 59

3.5.7 Microturbine Input 59

3.5.8 Bidirectional Inverter Input 61

3.5.9 Fuel Input 62

3.5.10 Emissions input 63

3.5.11 Schedule 64

3.6 Optimization and Sensitivity Variables Input 64

3.7 Other Inputs 65

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION 67

4.1 Introduction 67

4.2 Method of Hybrid Systems Design 68

4.3 Optimization Results 69

4.4 Electrical Performance of the Power Systems 71

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4.5 Economic Analysis 73

4.6 PV Output 76

4.7 Biodiesel Generators Output 77

4.8 Microturbine Output 79

4.9 Battery Output 80

4.10 Converter Output 82

4.11 Emissions Analysis 84

4.11.1 Comparison with Coal Based Electricity

Generation 86

4.12 Sensitivity Results 87

4.13 Concluding Remarks 90

4.14 Economic Viability 90

5 CONCLUSION AND FURTHER OUTLOOK 93

5.1 Conclusion 93

5.2 Further Outlook 95

REFERENCES 97

xi

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TITLE PAGE

2.1 Targets for renewable energy development by

source 2015-2030 11

2.2 Microturbine CHP - typical performance

parameters 21

2.3 Present typical emissions for microturbine system 24

2.4 Natural gas composition 27

2.5 Salient properties of CNG 28

2.6 CNG fuel characteristics 29

2.7 Physical- chemical properties of palm biodiesel and

petroleum diesel 34

2.8 Characteristics of HOMER 45

3.1 Operational details of village consumers. 55

3.2 Thermal load input 56

3.3 Electrical characteristics of BP 485 PV panel 57

3.4 PV inputs details 57

3.5 Sueertte battery details 58

3.6 Battery inputs details 58

3.7 Biodiesel engine inputs details 59

3.8 Microturbine inputs details 61

3.9 Technical features of bidirectional inverter. 61

3.10 Bidirectional inverter inputs details 62

3.11 Properties and prices of fossil diesel, B20, B100

and natural gas 63

xii

3.12 Average palm BD and CNG emission compared to

conventional diesel. 63

3.13 Optimization and sensitivity variables of the inputs 65

3.14 Summary of other information was entered into

HOMER 66

4.1 Technical and cost details of the best suited

configuration for HS with CNG and B20 fuel. 71

4.2 Electrical performance of the HS with CNG, B20

and CNG, B100 fuel 72

4.3 Cash flow summary of the system in case one and

two. 74

4.4 Simulation results for output PV for two cases 77

4.5 Simulation result for BD generator output system

for case one. 78

4.6 Simulation result for BD generator output system

for case two. 79

4.7 Simulation result for MT output for case one and

two

80

4.8 Simulation results of Surrette battery for two cases. 82

4.9 Simulation data of converter components for two

cases. 83

4.10 Emission of the hybrid system for two cases. 84

4.11 Performance of Generator in system with B20 and

B100. 91

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. TITLE PAGE

1.1 Comparison between the present and future

electricity supply structure 7

2.1 The block diagram of a typical hybrid system. 10

2.2 Projected annual electricity production from REs

between 2015 to 2050 12

2.3 Photovoltaic cell, module and array 13

2.4 Working principle of a PV cell 14

2.5 The equivalent circuit of solar cell 15

2.6 I-V features of the KC200GT solar array at (a)

different temperature with constant irradiances,

(b) different irradiances with fixed temperature 16

2.7 Typical microturbine structure 19

2.8 Microturbine design with (a) single-shaft and (b)

two-shaft 20

2.9 Microturbine combined with power and heat 23

2.10 (a) Fuel consumption curve and (b) efficiency

curve of a 40 kW BD generator. 25

2.11 Operation of CNG station [23]. 26

2.12 Resources of bioethanol and biodiesel 30

2.13 World producers of palm oil in 2011 31

2.14 Flowchart of commercialized palm BD production 33

2.15 Structure of lead-acid battery 37

2.16 Constructed 12 V nominal voltage 37

xiv

2.17 Electrochemical operation of battery in (a)

charging and (b) discharging mode 38

2.18 Boost circuit and its control 42

2.19 The bi-directional converter 43

3.1 Framework for the selection of off-grid electricity 47

3.2 Systematic framework for off-grid electricity

generation with pre-, intermediate- and post-

HOMER analysis 48

3.3 Hybrid system description. 49

3.4 Perkampungan Orang Asli Jahai Sungai Kejar

Hilir, Hutan Belum, Perak, Malaysia 50

3.5 The architecture of HOMER. 51

3.6 Input window of HOMER‟s component selection. 52

3.7 Month-wise solar radiation. 53

3.8 Electrical load profile input for (a) daily (b)

monthly. 55

3.9 Thermal load input profile: (a) daily and (b)

seasonal. 56

3.10 The block diagram for the power source based on

Capstone MT technology 60

3.11 Generators daily operation schedule: (a) BDG and

(b) MT 64

4.1 Configuration of the hybrid system MT/BDG/PV

with battery 68

4.2 HOMER overall optimization results with CNG

and B20 fuel. 69

4.3 Categorized optimization results with CNG and

B20 fuel. 70

4.4 Categorized optimization results with CNG and

B100 fuel. 70

4.5 Monthly average electrical power production with

fuel CNG, B20 and CNG, B100. 72

xv

4.6 Cash flow summary of system by cost type in both

the studied cases. 74

4.7 Cash flow summary based on the components. 75

4.8 Yearly cash flow by systems component for case

one and two in its lifetime. 75

4.9 D-map showing the power generated from PV

array in system. 76

4.10 Monthly average of PV array power output in both

cases. 77

4.11 D-map of BD generator output for system one. 78

4.12 D-map of BD generator output for system two. 78

4.13 D-map of MT output for case one and two. 79

4.14 Monthly SOC of the battery in two cases. 81

4.15 Frequency histogram of the battery. 81

4.16 D-map showing state of charge of Surrette battery

bank. 81

4.17 Converter output in system for two cases with (a)

inverter and (b) rectifier. 83

4.18 Emission of pollutant gases for the hybrid system. 84

4.19 Absorption of CO2 through photosynthesis during

the growth of palm trees 85

4.20 Global warming potential saving from hybrid

power generations and total CO2 emission from

Malaysia electricity production 87

4.21 Detail sensitivity analysis for two cases. 88

4.22 Optimal system type for two cases. 88

4.23 Total NCP of the optimal system as a function of

fuel price and solar radiation. 89

4.24 Fuel price and solar radiation dependent total

capital cost of the optimal system. 89

4.25 Fuel price and solar radiation dependent total NPC

with COE for the optimal system. 90

xvi

4.26 Total NPC of the optimal system with CO2

emission for varying fuel price and solar radiation

for case one. 90

xvii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

8MP - Eighth Malaysian Plan

Bat - Battery

BD - Biodiesel

BDG - Biodiesel Generator

CHP - Combine Heat and Power or Cogeneration System

CO2 - Carbon Dioxide

CNG - Compressor natural gas

COE - Cost of Energy

DOD - Depth of Discharge

EDL - Economical Distance Limit

GHG - Green House Gases

GoM‟s - Government of Malaysia

HOMER - Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables

HPSs - Hybrid Power Systems

HSMBPB - Hybrid Microturbine, Biodiesel Generator, Photo-voltaic

and Battery System

LCA - Life Cycle Assessment

LCC - Life Cycle Cost

LCOE - Levelized Cost of Energy

MPPT - Maximum Power Point Tracker

MT - Microturbine

NOx - Nitrogen oxide

NPC - Net Present Cost

NREL - National Renewable Energy Laboratory

O&M - Operation and Maintenance

xviii

NREPAP - National. Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan

(Malaysia)

RAPS - Remote Area Power Supply System

RES - Renewable Energy Sources

RET - Renewable Energy Technology

RM - Ringgit Malaysia

PM - Particulate Matter

RPM - Revolution Per Minute

PV - Photovoltaic

PWM - Pulse Width Modulation

SO2 - Sulfur Dioxide

SOD - State of Discharge

SOC - State of Charge

THD - Total Harmonic Distortion

1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Lately, the demand of renewable energy technologies (RETs) for rural

electric power supply is constantly increasing. The large fluctuations and the

intermittent nature of RETs make them somewhat costly. Moreover, often long term

storage is required due to their seasonal variations. Thus, hybrid systems emerged as

suitable substitute by providing cost-effective and reliable electricity supply in

remote areas [1].

This chapter develops a rationale of the research topic and attempt to argue

why intensive research in the cited dissertation topic is absolutely necessary. The

problem statement, objectives, scope of studies and research significance are

underscored.

2

1.2 Background and Motivation

Undeniably, more than billion people living in rural Asia alone are not

privileged to be benefited from electricity even though the worldwide electricity

generation and transmission has apparently reached to a saturation point.

Consequently, the socio-economic developments of these rural communities are

always hindered due to unavailability of electric power in those areas. These energy

deprived rural communities are always struggling for betterment in life styles.

Education is severely suffered and various inconveniences of storing fresh food and

medicine have significantly reduced their overall efficiency. Furthermore, the

working hours are also slashed due to poor lighting conditions. The economic

growth in these remote communities is limited by the accessibility of electricity grid

[2].

Advancement in the power production based on RETs has opened up new

avenue for providing electricity in remote rural areas. Largely, the remote

communities over the globe are not in access of electricity because of the absence of

national grid nearby. This is majorly due to the high cost involved in the extension

of the transmitting and distributing infrastructure in these remote areas. However, in

some developed nations rural inhabitants generate their own electricity via diesel

generators. The cost of kWh generated by the diesel generator is considerably higher

than the one from the utility grid and remains unaffordable for those remote

communities. Simultaneously, the involvement of high cost in extending the national

grid over remote areas makes it uneconomical for utility companies to expand it.

Currently, RETs compared to that of grid expansion renders cost-effective solution

for remote communities in supplying electric power [3].

Interestingly, PV systems can be installed in almost any location due to the

availability of sufficient sunlight on almost every part of the earth surface.

Conversely, other energy sources and related technologies are highly accessible

location dependent. For instance, a mini hydro plant requires a river with sufficient

3

flow rate and a bio energy plant needs an adequate amount of biomass plantation.

Thus, an appropriate energy system in a certain geographical location is chosen by

considering the resources availability throughout the year. Fascinatingly, using

multiple options of renewable energy resources more reliable electricity can be

generated compared to a single renewable energy source. Combination of a

conventional energy source together with renewable sources produces cost effective

and more reliable energy solution. Assimilations of these complementary energy

generation resources based on renewable or mixed energy (renewable energy with a

backup bio-fuel/diesel generator) are termed as hybrid system or hybrid generator.

Accordingly, the achieved grid is called off grid due to its size when compared to the

main grid [1, 4].

The effective operation and implementation of HPSs require careful

consideration of several factors including complex cultural background, political

issues, economic environment, and energy related concerns. The suitability of

installing HPSs at different regions of Malaysia must consider the availability of

RESs in those areas. It is acknowledged that Malaysia receives an average of 12

hours solar radiation per day. Therefore, by combining PV with biodiesel and

microturbine, the shortage of electricity in the rural areas can be overcome [5].

1.3 Problem Statement

In the rural area of Malaysia the access to electricity seems to be ever-

demanding. Meanwhile, the urban communities are yet to achieve reliable electricity

services. Truly, people in rural areas are still dreaming for connecting to an

electricity supply. In 2009, over one million dwellings in Malaysia are still not

electrified those are mostly in rural villages located on large riverbank. Despite

country‟s strong economy, the lack of electricity supply has contributed to social

4

issues such as poverty, poor health services, deprived education, and gender

inequality.

Recently, the environmental concerns are cropped up regarding the

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel burning in diesel power stations.

These are known to be the main power generators in Perak state of Malaysia. People

are highly dependent on fossil fuel based electricity production due to its cost

effectiveness and simple combustion process. Although, this source is capable of

generating huge amount of electricity but the environmental pollution due to

emission of carbon dioxide will contribute enormously to global warming and may

lead to acid rain. To overcome this problem the use of hybrid electric generator is

advocated. It must be admitted that the difficulty of supplying electricity to remote

and inaccessible areas are the reason for obvious use of fossil fuel. There are certain

areas where the implementation of grid extension involves high cost and technically

infeasible. Due to this reason stand-alone hybrid system is an ideal option [6].

Finally, the rural electrification programs in Malaysia are always lacked by

insufficient studies, expertise, and experiences. The obstacle among Government

agencies to optimize REP implementations in Perak state aggravated the situation.

Alternatively, Perak state has potential to build a mixed power development strategy

by introducing RE to the existing power generation systems. This work intends to

harness the promising RERs such as BDG, SPV, MT, battery and bio-directional

inverter in Perak. It will make valuable contribution in understanding the possibility

of electricity supply at cheaper rate in Perkampungan Orang Asli Jahai, Perak,

Malaysia.

5

1.4 Research Objectives

The main aim is to propose an optimal off grid techno-economic hybrid

system design by combining microturbine-biodiesel generator-solar PV to provide

affordable and reliable electricity for a rural community in Perak, Malaysia. To

achieve this goal the following objectives are cited:

1. To identify the suitable renewable energy resources for the proposed

hybrid system.

2. To characterize the physical properties of biodiesel fuel.

3. To model and simulate of the hybrid system using the HOMER software

package.

4. To evaluate the performance of the optimal hybrid system in the context

of Perkampungan Orang Asli Jahai, Perak, Malaysia.

5. To determine the daily load profile by selecting component and make cost

analysis of the rural community.

6. To compare the proposed hybrid model generated results with the

conventional resources.

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scopes of the present research are:

1. Examine different type of renewable energy sources, storage devices and

conversion system involved in hybrid energy generation system.

2. Simulate the impact of different renewable energy sources on the climate

change.

3. Inspect the fuel local supply to explain how the selected available gas and

biodiesel can be fed into the combustion system of an externally fired

6

microturbine and biodiesel generator. It takes into account the

composition of combustion gases in relation to heat exchangers and

chimney downstream the combustion.

4. Model the entire design and optimize the off grid hybrid system by

combining microturbine-biodiesel and generator-solar PV with battery.

5. Make a techno-economic estimate to identify the feasibility of affordable

and reliable electricity to rural people.

6. Simulate the model using HOMER software for further techno-economic

analysis.

7. Analyze the simulation results of electricity power generation using

different fuels (B100+CNG) and compare them with the results of

electricity generation using (B20 + CNG).

8. Optimize the hybrid system in HOMER to check the sensitivity.

9. Evaluate the proposed model performance in terms of cost and benefit.

1.6 Benefit of Renewable Energy

Indeed, the renewable resources not only provide environmental friendly

clean electrical energy but also play significant role in ecological benefits. The

supply of electricity via hybrid energy technology in the rural areas of developing

nations can substitute relatively a small amount of fossil fuel. The future fossil fuel

based energy demand seems alarming because this resource is exponentially

depleting. Furthermore, the rapid industrializations and subsequent deforestation

through over-exploitation of wood and charcoal resources will lead to environmental

catastrophe. Thus, the search for alternative route for the electrification of rural areas

is inevitable. The renewable energy resources emerged as new stars in the horizon

due to its natural compatibility and environmental safety in terms of de-pollution

effects and climate protection [7]. To this end, the renewable system distributed

generation of electricity has several added advantages as illustrated in figure 1.1.

7

Present system Future structure

Figure 1.1 Comparison between the present and future electricity supply

structure [7]

1.7 Thesis Outline

This thesis deals with the optimal sizing of a hybrid renewable energy system

for electrifying a rural community in Perak, Malaysia. The system design,

optimization, implementation, and performance evaluation are the recurring theme.

The thesis consisting of 5 chapters are organized as follows:

Chapter 1 provides a brief overview on the rationale for this study. It includes

the energy situation in the rural areas of Malaysia. Electricity provision, background,

objectives of the study, scope of the study, present status of electric supply for the

selected village and most importantly the need to renewable energy is justified.

8

Chapter 2 deals with the review of relevant literatures on renewable energy

sources. Various available technologies used for generating electricity and their

advantages and disadvantages are emphasized

Chapter 3 describes the detailed methodology that is required to fulfill the

proposed objectives. The main components of the designed hybrid system together

with the relevant characteristics of the system components such as electrical

characteristics, costs, operation, and maintenance issues are highlighted. The site

meteorological and load data are also discussed. Finally, the modeling of the hybrid

system using HOMER software and subsequent simulation processes are

demonstrated.

The results obtained from the HOMER simulations are discussed in Chapter

4. The results of the optimization and sensitivity analysis, the selection of the

optimal hybrid configuration and the performance of the selected system for varying

conditions of load, solar, palm oil and natural gas resource are explained. The basic

design of the hybrid system is illustrated.

Chapter 5 concludes the thesis with the notable contribution and future

outlook. Due to time constrains is it not possible to give full justice on the topic.

However, this research has bred new problems which are worth solving.

97

REFERENCES

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Agder, Srilanka.

2. Prasanthi, C. J. 2009. Assessment of Technology Requirements for Off-grid

Rural Electrification. Msc Thesis, The University of Nottingham, UK

3. Sopian, K. Zaharim, A. Ali, Y. Nopiah, J. Razak, A. and Muhmmad, S. 2008.

Optimal Operational Strategy for Hybrid Renewable Energy System Using

Genetic Algorithms. WSEAS Transactions on Mathematics. 7(4), 130-140.

4. Bashir, M. and Sadeh, J. 2012. Optimal Sizing of Hybrid

Wind/Photovoltaic/Battery Considering the Uncertainty of Wind And

Photovoltaic Power Using Monte Carlo. Proceeding of the 2012 Environment

and Electrical Engineering (EEEIC), 2012th

International Conference on,

1081-1086.

5. Abdullah, H. b. S. 2013. Feasibility Study of PV-Wind and PV-Diesel Hybrid

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