Modeling and optimal design of an off-grid hybrid system for electricity generation using various biodiesel fuels: a case study for Davarzan, Iran

ABSTRACT

Population growth and increasing demands for fossil fuels, along with significant increases in air pollution and concerns about climate change, are increasing interest in renewable energy. Here, a hybrid energy system using various biodiesel fuels is modeled and an optimal design for the system is developed. The hybrid system consists of photovoltaic panels, a battery storage system and a diesel generator as a backup power source, and is intended for a typical Iranian village household. Norouzak (Salvia leriifolia) seed oil is proposed as an indigenous source of biodiesel in Iran. The seeds are collected from the dry desert area of Davarzan in Khorasan. The hybrid photovoltaic/diesel generator/battery systems using various biodiesel fuels are examined and compared in terms of technical performance and cost. Norouzak biodiesel was obtained by the basic transesterification method using an ultrasound device under ultrasonic amplitude of 60% and 9 min at 45°C, with a methanol ratio 6:1 and 1% potassium hydroxide as a catalyst. For the cost analysis, a mathematical model is introduced for each system's components and then, in order to satisfy the demand in the most cost-effective way, one version of the harmony search algorithm is used to optimally size the systems components. The results indicate that Norouzak fuel is a good candidate for an alternative fuel-hybrid system, and that satisfying the electrical needs of a rural house using this hybrid photovoltaic/diesel generator/battery system is advantageous as it decreases operating costs and pollutant emissions and increases efficiency.

KEYWORDS:

• Hybrid PV-DG-battery system
• photovoltaic
• diesel
• biodiesel
• Norouzak (Salvia leriifolia)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.