Software tool for the Development of Small Rural Power Supplies with Renewable Resources

Abstract

Rural electrification within the Caribbean has mainly centered on the extension of grid supplies due to the relatively short distances involved, while the use of renewable resources has remained experimental. However, grid extensions are not always viable for some communities due to either their small size or location. This paper describes a software tool that is being developed for application in the design of suitable power generation systems for small isolated rural loads based on standalone wind-diesel hybrid systems. Inputs to the program include the expected annual load profile, site-specific data on the renewable resource and diesel generator operating costs. The software applies dynamic programming techniques to arrive at a suitable selection of diesel generators and corresponding annual operating cost for given load and renewable resource profiles