Design and energy yield analysis of a hybrid renewable power system

Abstract

The population of Zambia has rapidly grown in the past 56 years and so has the demand for electric power. Limited generation capacity and increased load shedding of hydroelectric power has influenced the shifting of attention to renewable energy sources. The Copperbelt province in Zambia is an important case study in the context of renewable energy because it possesses relatively high profusion of solar radiation, abundant bio-energy resources and moderate wind speeds. This paper discusses the design of an efficient system of sustainable renewable energy for domestic use and the estimated energy output from the ten districts in the province. The method of this study was collection of basic data for solar radiation, biomass (brewery waste, pigs, goats and cow manure) and wind speeds, followed by hybrid optimization simulation model using the software HOMER. The study is targeted at domestic and micro industrial applications. However, feeding power from these sources into the main grid can be considered as an option. The simulation model has been used to find out the most cost effective, renewable based energy system. It also presents results in an efficient and economical way for different numbers of households.