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• Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-wind-biomass-battery system is proposed. • Numerical modelling and varied operational scenarios for the system are formulated. • Evaluating system feasibility across various power loss probabilities is conducted. • Giza Pyramids construction outperformed by $177 saving and 8% less simulation time. The economical electrification of rural settlements extensively utilizes renewable energy sources. In recent years, the deployment of solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and biomass gasifier-based power generation technologies for electricity accessibility in remote regions has received greater prominence. This paper presents an optimal component design of a hybrid solar PV-wind and battery system along with a biomass gasifier to provide continuous electricity for rural communities of Uttarakhand, India. In this study, a recently developed population-based giza pyramids construction (GPC) methodology is applied to determine the optimal component sizing. The findings of the GPC method are contrasted with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) methodology to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. The annualized system cost and levelized cost of energy of the hybrid renewable energy system have been minimized subject to technical reliability indicators such as loss of power supply probability and renewable fraction. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the system has been conducted to assess its optimal feasibility across different values of power loss probability ranging from (0% to 4%). The simulation indicates that the proposed method adeptly identifies globally optimal values, leading to a $177 decrease in annual cost and 8% reduction in average simulation time compared to PSO. The research reveals that the balanced point (relative attainment), where system reliability and cost-effectiveness intersect optimally, is achieved at a 3% power loss level, resulting in the most significant cost reduction of $199 compared to other probability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for renewable energy is increasing, wind speed forecasting (WSF) becomes increasingly popular and essential for wind power generation. Several methods have been developed in the literature for WSF. However, WSF accuracy is challenging to obtain due to its non-stationary and non-linear character. To overcome this issue, this study suggests a novel integrated forecasting model for WSF. In the majority of cases, decomposition techniques are essential for removing noise and extracting patterns from non-stationary and non-linear wind speed time series. Among these decomposition techniques, the most widely used decomposition methods based on frequency domain theory are the Fourier decomposition method (FDM), the empirical wavelet transform (EWT), and the variational mode decomposition (VMD). However, FDM decomposition gives inconsistent results, EWT has mixed problems, and VMD is unsuitable for non-stationary time series. Thus, a novel combined model based on empirical Fourier decomposition (EFD) techniques, long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks, and the Grey Wolf optimizer (GWO) is proposed in this paper. Initially, the wind speed time series is decomposed using EFD into a set of sub-series and a residual, which is a stationary sub-series that can be easily modelled by a recurrent neural network (RNN). Further, the matching LSTM is used to forecast each sub-series and residual, while the GWO optimizes the sub-series estimated output, resulting in improved prediction precision and stability. In order to assess the model performance, five wind speed datasets from various places in India are employed. The findings show that the proposed model is the top performing model among the other ten models; The average statistical score obtained from all datasets reduces 11.01% in the mean absolute error (MAE), 10.68% in the root mean square error (RMSE) and 10.73% in the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Further, regularity conditions for universal consistency of proposed model is also proved mathematically. • A novel hybrid EFD-LSTM-GWO architecture for wind speed forecasting. • Resolving the mixed-mode, inconsistent, and non-stationary challenges. • Analysing the proposed model's universal consistency. • Outperformance of the proposed algorithm over other existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First time the solar-wind-biogas-VRFB integrated micrgrid is modeled and validated. • The capacity optimization and energy management with lowest LCOE is done by HOMER. • Peak load shaving with optimal sources and grid is shown by PSCAD using real data. • Optimal schedule of renewable sources and VRFB ensures zero LPSP at consumer end. • Financial study of hybrid microgrid demonstrates project viability and up scaling. Uninterrupted access to electric power has become the basic need of today's world. Rural parts of many countries still do not have access to electricity or have electric power access to weak distribution grids with inadequate transmission and distribution system infrastructure. However, the countries where there is an abundance of solar radiation, a good potential of bio-degradable waste and average availability of wind source, access to electricity for those remote areas can be managed by distributed power generation. Considering the fact that the renewable energy sources (Solar, Wind etc.) are intermittent in nature, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and other reservoirs like biogas energy sources are the potential candidates to be integrated with the renewable sources to ensure continuous access to electricity and energy security. In this paper, a unique combination of Solar PV, Wind, Biomass and Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) storage integrated hybrid Microgrid has been modeled and implemented practically for the first time. The capacity selection of different renewable sources for satisfying daily energy demand and their techno-commercial optimization has been performed through HOMER simulation. Further, the peak load shaving that is a limitation of HOMER model, has been established through PSCAD simulation by providing the real life data of different renewable sources, VRFB storage and the load profile as input to the model. The simulation model performances have been validated by a practical 10 kW P solar PV, 1 kW wind and 15 kVA Biogas generator integrated with 1 kW 6 h VRFB storage based Microgrid installed at India Institute of Engineering Science and Technology campus, India. In addition to these, zero loss of power supply probability (LPSP) has been ensured by implementing smart scheduling and controller considering the intermittency of the renewable sources. As a part of the financial analysis, project Investment on Return (IRR) and pay back has been calculated considering initial investment, operation and maintenance cost and revenue of generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper deals with an experimental outdoor annual performance evaluation of 2.32kWP photovoltaic (PV) power system located at solar energy park in New Delhi composite climatic conditions. This PV system operates the daily electrical load nearly 10kWh/day which comprises of various applications such as electric air blower of an earth to air heat exchanger (EAHE) used for heating/cooling of adobe house, ceiling fan, fluorescent tube-light, computer, submersible water pump, etc. The outdoor efficiencies, power generated and lost in PV system components were determined using hourly experimental measured data for 1year on typical clear day in each month. These realistic data are useful for design engineers for outdoor assessment of PV system components. The energy conservation, mitigation of CO2 emission and carbon credit potential of the existing PV integrated EAHE system is presented in this paper. Also, the energy payback time (EPBT) and unit cost of electricity were determined for both stand-alone PV (SAPV) and building roof integrated PV (BIPV) systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The optimal system architecture of the existing HES at KCET is obtained using HOMER software. • The technical and economic parameters of the proposed HES are determined using HOMER. • Economic parameters of the optimal HES are determined along with sensitivity analysis. • Two dispatch strategies are deployed and compared in HOMER for the proposed HES. • The techno-economic analysis and sensitivity analysis are carried out for both the on-grid and off-grid HES system. The Renewable Energy Sources (RES) have marked a new trend in the Indian energy market and sustainable energy development. In countries like India, the consumers are more welcomed to be prosumers by utilizing the primary renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biogas, geothermal etc. The renewable energy generation is highly dynamic and thus, Hybrid Energy Systems (HES) strengthens its scope in self-dependent energy generation of the consumers. This paper proposes techno-economic analysis of a Hybrid Energy System (HES) design that has been set up at Kamaraj College of Engineering and Technology (KCET), Virudhunagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The paper investigates the on-grid and off-grid operation of the proposed HES. The system is designed and optimized by using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables) software. The feasibility of the HES system is studied under different dispatch strategies such as Cycle Charging (CC) and Load Following (LF) for both on-grid and off-grid operation. Further, the sensitivity analysis is carried out for the proposed HES system with the fuel price and scaled annual solar radiation as sensitivity variables. The Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost of Energy (COE) of the system under different architectures are determined and it is found that, the on-grid HES with LF dispatch is the optimal system design for the selected location. The performance of the system is studied in both technical and economic perspectives to optimally design the HES components and a minimum NPC of $ 7.66 M has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concern on the effect of global warming due to greenhouse gases has been increasing. Carbon dioxide is the most powerful greenhouse gas and more than 40% of its emission is from fossil fuelled power plants. So the efficient use of fossil fuel with carbon dioxide capture is the best method for achieving the energy demands with less pollutant emissions. But the conventional capture technologies are more energy intensive and cause a drop in net power production. This energy penalty can be overcome by using Chemical looping combustion technique. In this technique, combustion occurs in two reactors – Air reactor and Fuel reactor. The former is fluidised by air and the later by fuel. Metal oxides called oxygen carriers loop in between two reactors carrying oxygen and heat required for combustion to the fuel reactor. So there is no direct contact between air and fuel and results in pure combustion products- carbon dioxide and water. Therefore a separate air separation or gas separation unit is not required which are energy eating units in conventional capture methods. This work presents steady state simulations of three systems: Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant (i) without carbon dioxide capture, (ii) with pre-combustion capture and (iii) integrated with chemical looping combustion. All the simulations are carried out using Aspen plus simulation package. High ash Indian coal is used as the fuel. The performance of each case is compared in terms of overall energy efficiency and carbon dioxide capture rate. The efficiencies of the system without capture, with looping combustion and with pre-combustion capture are found to be 42.69%, 40.2% and 35.8% respectively. The respective capture efficiencies of looping combustion and pre-combustion capture are 99.97% and 94%. It can be seen that the reduction in the overall efficiency is marginal in the case of chemical looping combustion. This shows the superiority of chemical looping combustion technique over the pre-combustion capture technique in terms of higher capture efficiency and overall plant thermal efficiency. An exergy analysis is also carried out to identify the units having higher exergy destruction rates. Parametric studies are carried out on these units to observe their effect on the overall plant performance. Thus, a process for an energy efficient and environment friendly utilization of high ash Indian coal is presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distributed generation using local renewable resources is studied. • Economic assessment is performed. • Investment risk analysis is carried out. • Environmental impact assessment of the combinations is evaluated using LCA. • MCDM approach is used for optimal solution selection. Increasing renewable share in power supply is currently a global mission. Decentralized renewable power with locally available resources is an emerging preferred sustainable energy solution. This is even more recommended for remote locations where reliable grid power is neither available nor feasible. However, insufficient availability and intermittency of local renewable resources, cost of unit electricity and reluctance of investors due to uncertainty in return on investment in new technologies are some of the critical issues to be addressed. A detailed environmental impact assessment is also needed. Considering the research gap, this study aims to find technically efficient, economically optimal with less uncertainty on return on investment and environmentally benign energy combinations for distributed generation. The methodology proposed in this paper integrates techno-economic optimization with uncertainty analysis in return on investment through Monte Carlo analysis and environmental impact assessment using life cycle assessment to explore an even better sustainable solution. A multi criteria decision making approach is then adopted to decide a final optimum solution for three multi criteria of cost, uncertainty in return on investment and environmental impact. Such a comprehensive analysis for an optimum solution is demonstrated for a remote village of India. The analysis result shows that the combination of solar photovoltaic-diesel generator-Battery system is the possible optimum solution with a cost of electricity of $0.21/kW·h, a standard deviation of 0.07 for risk on investment and a moderate environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, comparative analysis of different type of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air collector namely: (i) unglazed hybrid PVT tiles, (ii) glazed hybrid PVT tiles and (iii) conventional hybrid PVT air collectors have been carried out for the composite climate of Srinagar (India). The comparative study has been carried out in terms of overall thermal energy and exergy gain, exergy efficiency and carbon credit earned by different type of hybrid PVT air collectors. It has been observed that overall annual thermal energy and exergy gain of unglazed hybrid PVT tiles air collector is higher by 27% and 29.3% respectively as compared to glazed hybrid PVT tiles air collector and by 61% and 59.8% respectively as compared to conventional hybrid PVT air collector. It has also been observed that overall annual exergy efficiency of unglazed and glazed hybrid PVT tiles air collector is higher by 9.6% and 53.8% respectively as compared to conventional hybrid PVT air collector. On the basis of comparative study, it has been concluded that CO2 emission reduction per annum on the basis of overall thermal energy gain of unglazed and glazed hybrid PVT tiles air collector is higher by 62.3% and 27.7% respectively as compared to conventional hybrid PVT air collector and on the basis of overall exergy gain it is 59.7% and 22.7%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the investigation of the performance from different biomasses in a fluidized bed gasifier where steam has been used as gasifying as well as fluidizing agent. An experimental setup is fabricated to study the gasification performance of rice husk, which is of special relevance to rice-producing countries like China and India. An equilibrium modeling approach is deployed to predict the gas composition which has been compared with the experimental results. Calibration of the model with appropriate modeling coefficients was necessary to achieve close resemblance with the experimental values. Further, the model is used to predict the gas compositions from other biomass and benchmarked with the performance of coal. In this study, the gasification temperature is varied from 650°C to 800°C, whereas the steam-to-biomass ratio (S/B) is varied from 0.75 to 2.00. As the gasification temperature increases, the production of H2 and CO increases but the generation of CH4 and CO2 reduces. The steam-to-biomass ratio was again found to influence the production rates. With increasing steam input, H2, CO2 and CH4 were found to increase while CO reduces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an experience, environmental assessment, a model for exit gas composition, agglomeration problem and a model for solid population balance of 10MW power plant at Jalkheri, Distt. Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India based on rice husk has been discussed. Three phase multistage mathematical model for exit gas composition of rice husk in fluidized bed has been derived. The model is based on three-phase theory of fluidization and material balance for shrinking rice husk particles and it is similar to model developed by Kunii and Levenspiel. The burning of rice husk is assumed to take place according to single film theory. The model has been used to predict the exit gas composition particularly O2, CO2 and N2. The agglomeration problem of above plant which is main reason for defluidization of bed has also been discussed. SEM of ash agglomerates has been done. Ash samples taken from the above 10MW power plant at Jalkheri has been quantitatively analyzed. Finally solid population model has been formed to calculate bed carbon load and carbon utilization efficiency. Above two models are experimentally correlated with the data collected from the above 10MW power plant at Jalkheri, Distt. Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India which uses rice husk as a fuel input (at the time of study). All the results from the model for rice husk are coming with in permissible limits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy benchmarking of processes is important for setting energy efficiency targets and planning energy management strategies. Most approaches used for energy benchmarking are based on statistical methods by comparing with a sample of existing plants. This paper presents a model based approach for benchmarking of energy intensive industrial processes and illustrates this approach for industrial glass furnaces. A simulation model for a glass furnace is developed using mass and energy balances, and heat loss equations for the different zones and empirical equations based on operating practices. The model is checked with field data from end fired industrial glass furnaces in India. The simulation model enables calculation of the energy performance of a given furnace design. The model results show the potential for improvement and the impact of different operating and design preferences on specific energy consumption. A case study for a 100TPD end fired furnace is presented. An achievable minimum energy consumption of about 3830kJ/kg is estimated for this furnace. The useful heat carried by glass is about 53% of the heat supplied by the fuel. Actual furnaces operating at these production scales have a potential for reduction in energy consumption of about 20–25%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A membrane-integrated solar still as a regenerator has been proposed for LDeACS. • Hydro-phobic semi-permeable membrane in solar still was used to separate LD and air. • Impact of inlet operating conditions of solar still on sub-components of LDeACS was studied. • Proposed LDeACS is capable to provide comfortable conditions for humans in office. • Most sensitive parameter for LDeACS is inlet mass flow rate of LD at solar still. A liquid desiccant-based evaporative air-conditioning system (LDeACS) is one of the excellent alternatives to conventional vapour compression refrigeration system. The liquid desiccant (LD) requires less thermal energy at low temperatures for regeneration, therefore, the use of renewable (solar) energy is a promising source for the regeneration of LD. The prime motive of the research is to assess the applicability of novel solar still (SS) regenerated LDeACS for an office located at tropical savanna humid climate using numerical simulation. The novel solar still provides the combined function of a regenerator and LD heater. The simulation was carried out to evaluate the performance of sub-components of proposed LDeACS by varying the various input operating conditions (inlet mass flow rate of LD; inlet temperature of LD; temperature of absorber plate of SS) of SS. For the simulation, the mathematical model of sub-components of the proposed LDeACS is interlinked using commercial equation solver software. Simulated results indicated that the proposed LDeACS is capable to provide the required human comfort conditions. The parametric analysis of the system revealed that variations in performance parameters of sub-components of LDeACS are more sensitive to the inlet mass flow rate of LD at SS. An increment in the inlet temperature of LD at SS indicates an adverse effect on the performance indices of LDeACS. An increase in absorber plate temperature of SS enhances performance of SS, contrary to expectations, it degrades the performance of the dehumidifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]