Design of optimum configuration of a hybrid power system for Abertay University campus

Abstract

Nowadays, due to the economic and political conditions of the modern world there is a rapid development of higher education system in Scotland. This prompts the need for sustainable, green or smart developments within Universities due to the high level of energy use and the low level of campus facility operations and maintenance. Aim of this project is to recommend sustainable energy solutions for the Abertay Campus (SESAC). The paper examines the energy demand, sustainable energy solutions and design of optimum configuration of a hybrid power system for Abertay University's library building in Dundee Scotland by using various types of renewable energy systems. Different renewable power generating systems i.e., the solar PV, wind and CHP systems will be analysed in detail and sensitivity analysis of sunshine, wind speed, CHP size, and fuel prize of the proposed building area will be carried out using HOMER software to produce the final optimal results. By comparing optimisation results and taking into consideration parameters such as cost of energy (COE) and lowest total net present cost (NPC) the paper will propose suitable hybrid sustainable solutions for the university campus library building.