Feasibility and Techno-Economic Analysis of an Off-grid Hybrid Energy System: A Char Area in Bangladesh
Maliha Sultana, Muaz Rahman, Nirupam Das, Md Mamun Ur Rashid
Abstract
Due to the adverse topography for transmission system development and the substantial amount of capital investment, grid extension to remote char areas is limited. Hence, power generation from renewable energy sources is a viable option to improve the socio-economic status of residents in those areas. In this paper, the techno-economic feasibility of an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system is studied. The paper conducts a thorough investigation to determine the best optimal off-grid energy system to satisfy the load requirements of a remote community in Bangladesh. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER Pro) is used to assess the potential of available resources and to simulate the size of design components depending on the demand pattern of community users. The simulation results and comparative analysis realized that a combination of solar PV, wind turbine, and diesel generator yielded minimum levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.21 ${\$}$/kWh. The study also incorporated several sensitivity variables to analyze the impact on technical and economic attributes. Furthermore, the proposed system demonstrates reduced carbon emissions keeping in line with the sustainable development goals (SDG).