A case study of a neighborhood in Douala examining the technical feasibility of a hybrid renewable energy system connected to the grid for energy and oxygen production in the fight against respiratory diseases

The world is increasingly focusing its attention on the rapid growth in electricity consumption, a concern shared by both industrialized and emerging nations. Meeting this escalating demand has become crucial, necessitating a shift towards sustainable energy use. Renewable energy sources have emerged as a popular choice for both off-grid and grid-connected installations as a means to bridge the efficiency gap. In this context, the present paper explores the potential of supplying electricity to a neighborhood in Cameroon comprising 100 homes through the integration of solar photovoltaic cells and electrolyzers. It is worth noting that Cameroon as a whole continues to grapple with severe social, economic, and physical challenges. Some regions within the country face significant obstacles in accessing quality healthcare, particularly for conditions like respiratory illnesses. This study employs an intelligent energy management method to design an optimal power flow control system, aimed at enhancing system stability during power outages and load fluctuations by effectively utilizing available storage capacity. The analysis was conducted using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) program. Our calculations reveal that a daily output of 0.123 kg mass of oxygen is produced, with renewable factor (RF) values indicating an 85.1 % integration of renewable sources, and the crucial parameter of Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) reaching 0 %. These findings demonstrate that it is feasible for 100 homes to reliably generate and connect to the grid for electricity. Moreover, this research can serve as a solid foundation for the development of hybrid renewable energy systems to address the challenge of treating respiratory disorders such as COVID-19. These results underscore the significance of this study for various stakeholders, including decision-makers, policymakers, and investors in Cameroon and beyond. The ultimate goal is to promote national growth by improving socio-medical conditions.