Feasibility Study and Optimal Design of Small Hydropower-photovoltaic-diesel Generator Hybrid Power System for Itapaji-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Electricity is essential for economic growth, natural development and improved standard of living. Most of the existing water supply dams available in the rural areas can be used for power generation without affecting its primary functions. This will lead to a high saving in cost since there is no need for construction of new dams. However, integrating a convectional hydro turbine into an existing dam that is not originally designed for power generation may bring up some major technical issues. Moreover, the seasonal variation of water especially during dry season poses a great challenge in meeting the electricity demand at all times. This study explored technical analysis for Small hydropower (SHP)’s installations in an existing water infrastructure and formation of dam based-small hydro Hybrid Power System (HPS) in which solar Photovoltaic (PV) system and Diesel Generator (DG) are integrated. Ele water supply dam located in a typical rural village, Itapaji-Ekiti, Nigeria and currently being used to supply portable water to thirteen villages in the area, was used as a case study. Local weather data (such as stream flow and solar radiations) were obtained and analyzed using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software. The results obtained showed that the Cost of Energy, (COE) of SHP-PV-Battery-DG hybrid system is $0.166/kWhr while the COE of the PV-Battery-DG hybrid system combination is $0.290/kWhr. The outputs of the simulations also showed an acceptable power quality for the hybrid power system. The study is expected to be a cost-effective electrification solution to the rural dwellers.