Abstract:
Microgrid combines effective distributed generation schemes and interconnected loads
in a specific location. In modern power distribution systems, microgrids can offer the
opportunity to increase the amount of distribution generation and delivery of electricity
when there are uncertainties with the national power grid. Hospitals are among the most
energy intensive commercial buildings due to the significant air management
requirements and high electrical load Equipment. Although hospitals have integrated
additional on-site power generation to alleviate this situation, the problem of energy
costs remains high. As a result, this study attempted to design optimal grid-connected
solar PV, wind and battery storage system focusing on a typical urban healthcare
facility in Ghana; Kasoa Polyclinic (KPC). To achieve the objectives of this study, the
load profile data, methodological, economic data and components cost details are
simulated using HOMER Grid software. HOMER Grid is the only demand rate
reduction and optimization tool that considers generators as a peak shaving method.
Study Results showed that the annual utility bill (base case) was US$213,439.90 with
a Total Net Present Cost (TNPC) of US$7,004,608 and Levelised Cost of Energy
(LCOE) at US$0.2414 with 558.8tons/year of carbon dioxide emissions. The
optimization (winning case) results also showed that the grid-connected hybrid system
(solar/wind with battery storage) was more reliable and cost effective among the five
cases compared to the base system. Thus, the reduced TNPC of the system at
US$3,098,562 and the LCOE of US$0.093/kWh. Savings over the life of the project
was US$4,901,516 with reduced carbon emissions of 70.0 tons/year representing
reduced emission cost of 2,100 Euros, translating to a monetary savings of 15,564 Euros
(approximately US$18,454/year). Therefore, this optimized model can be adopted to
address technical, budgetary and environmental pressures.
Description:
A Thesis submitted to the Department of ELECTRICALS AND ELECTRONICS
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCTION Winneba,
School of Graduate Studies, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
award of Master of Philosophy in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Technology
