Simulation of PV/Wind/ Diesel Hybrid Power Systems for Rural Electrification in Algeria

28th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition; 4403-4409
Adrar region is a typical rural area in Algeria where connection to the national grid is not possible even in the future. Diesel is the main fuel for full filling the energy demand. Solar and Wind resources are the hybrid options for this site. The HOMER energy modeling software is available for optimization of renewable based energy efficient systems for single and up to 20 homes. It shows that the energy costs are more attractive for the electrification of 20 homes where per unit (kWh) cost of energy varies from 2.23 to 1.759 USD. For a single –wire grid extension cost of 8000$/km, operation and maintenance cost of 160 $/yr./km and grid power price of 0.1 $/km, the breakeven grid extension distances were found to be 3.71 km for single home and 53.1km for 20 homes respectively. On the other hand, it is found that the optimum results of hybrid renewable system show a 91 % and 92 % reduction of emissions respectively for a single home as well as for 20 homes. The RF of the optimized system evaluates to, respectively, 91 % and 92 % for single and 20 homes relative to the studied location.