Techno-economic analysis of a hybrid energy system for electrification using an off-grid solar/biogas/battery system employing HOMER: A case study in Vietnam

Abstract

The electrification of off-grid /island villages is a critical step towards improving the techno-economic circumstances of rural regions and the overall general growth of the country. However, consistent supply from a single source is not possible in these areas. Thus, a hybrid renewable energy system performs better in these conditions. The research challenge now is to identify the optimal combinations of HRES from the available resources in a specific village site that can supply the power demand sustainably and to determine whether this is a cost-effective option. The present work is an endeavour to develop a sustainable and dynamic energy demand-supply model using HOMER Pro energy software in a specified off-grid rural site in Vietnam. The research presents four unique configurations of a combined energy system for Vietnam's island settlements, incorporating biomass-based biogas facilities, photovoltaic panels, lithium-ion batteries, and converters. Homer Pro was used for optimization and design, focusing on key performance measures such as cost of energy, net present cost, initial cost, operating cost, renewable fraction, and carbon emissions. The best HES system layout includes a 100-kW biomass-based generator, 2.62 kW photovoltaic installation, 10 lithium-ion batteries, and a 6.31 kW converter, producing 100 % renewable energy. The system's low cost of energy ($0.48), and net present cost ($25,730.89) make it an economically viable alternative, while its low CO2 emissions demonstrate its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.