Techno-economic sizing of renewable energy power system case study Dhofar Region-Oman

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the sizing of an electrical power system for the Dhofar region in the southern of Oman is proposed and discussed through an optimization of the net project cost of different configurations of power sources. Both stand-alone and grid-connected cases are studied and discussed. The generated electrical power from renewable energy sources depends mainly on solar radiations, temperature, and wind speed. The incomes depend on the electrical power produced from renewable energy sources and the initial cost of investment as well as the operation and maintenance cost of renewable energy equipment. The analysis of different cases is performed using HOMER Software. The comparison of different configurations shows that the hybrid grid-connected system is the optimum solution to produce 1046807 kWh of electrical power from renewable energy sources with a minimum net project cost of 186 751 €. The utilization of electrical power from the power grid is the most expensive solution with a net project cost of 5.07 million €. The hybrid photovoltaic wind grid-connected system allows reducing of the cost of energy to 0.0117 € per kWh with an optimum initial investment cost of 386 648 €. The detailed analysis of proposed renewable energy solutions based on accurate informations gives every confidence in its reliability for future energy requirements of Oman. The proposed solutions hold good for this region in Oman in the long term. Indeed, installing renewable energy systems allows reducing electricity bills and participating in the national development plan related to green energy policy.

KEYWORDS:

• Renewable energy
• optimization approach
• homer software
• economic benefits