An Optimal Hybrid Wind-biomass Gasifier System for Rural Areas

Abstract

Renewable hybrid energy systems have great potential to provide high quality and more reliable power. This offers the advantage that the strengths of each type of sources can be used to complement one another. Renewable hybrid energy systems are mainly recognized for remote area power applications and are nowadays cost-effective where extension of grid supply is expensive. Biomass gasifier-based power generation has a lot of potential for power generation in India. In this article, optimal sizing and operation of a wind-biomass gasifier-based hybrid energy system is proposed. A case study is done using real-time load demand data collected from a site. Economic analysis of wind-biomass gasifier hybrid energy system is also presented. The cost of energy is found to be Rs 3.499 (US$0.078). The cost of energy of the wind-biomass system is also compared with the wind-diesel system. It is found that economically, the wind-gasifier system is a very good alternative for wind-diesel system.

Keywords:

• biomass gasifier
• hybrid power system
• renewable energy
• rural electrification