A sustainable hybrid/ off grid power generation systems suitable for a remote coastal area in Oman

Abstract

This paper provides Energy-Economic Optimization for a hybrid/ off grid power generation systems using reliable renewable energies suitable for a remote coastal area, Musandam Peninsula situated in most northerly point of Oman. There is a diesel power plant located in Khasab, one of the four wilayyats of Musandam Peninsula which serves the required electricity for the region as it is an off-grid area. Renewable energies offer an alternative solution for fossil fuels. Oman is looking forward for green energies evidently along with rest of the world due to obvious reasons like increase in carbon deposits, global warming and pollution etc. An effort has been made to investigate whether the power generated by renewable energies especially by solar & wind energies available in Musandam Peninsula can replace the situation of power generation by fossil fuels. Tidal power is not considered in comparison with wind energy and solar energy, as it is not a big sustainable resource due to environment impacts & exergy availability etc. at present. Three options and their comparison have been provided with the help of `Homer software' simulation results. Simulation results based on Energy-Economic Optimization show, case studies and their comparison for three models: First model (Diesel power system), second model (Solar PV power system) and the third model (PV-wind hybrid power system). Cycle charging strategy is considered in all models. Simulation results are showing that cost of energy (COE) is lowest for PV-Wind hybrid power system. We conclude that a properly planned hybrid system combining renewable energies solar energy & wind energy (i.e. PV-wind hybrid power system) joined with conventional energy system will reduce the overall cost along with many benefits like carbon reduction etc. It is suggested in this paper to connect PV-wind hybrid power system with the existing diesel power station at Khasab and utilize the existing distribution system to meet the growing energy demand. The excess power generated can be stored in storage batteries as a backup or this power can be distributed to the nearby off-grid areas.