Wind/diesel village-scale electric power systems: The performance and economic analysis of a simulated village system

This paper presents the results of an analytical study determining the energy and economic performance of battery storage type wind/diesel systems intended to supply the load of a village-scale system (grid isolated) in a developing country. It presents the development and details of the model for the simulation of the complete wind/diesel system including a generalized characterization of the local wind regime and the electrical load demands (including prioritization) of the village. The hour-by-hour simulation model is intended to simulate a typical one month period of system operation. Results from the energy flow simulation model are then input to a detailed economic model of the system. As summarized in the paper this benefit-cost model is used to assess the relative cost and socio-economic impact associated with the electrical generating system's configuration and performance. Representative case studies for several wind/diesel system options using the combined performance/economic simulation are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the model.