Small scale standalone solar and tidal hybrid power system in isolated area

Abstract

The source of electricity supply in isolated areas is commonly from diesel or other fossil fuel-based generation systems. However, the increasing cost and harmful emissions of these fuels have led researchers to seek alternative solutions in providing electricity. Hence, harnessing renewable resources can be a favourable solution in lowering the dependency on fossil fuels. The Strait of Malacca is blessed with tidal current energy, a research was conducted to design a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) that consists of tidal current and solar energy as its sources along with backup power such as generators to support the electrical demand of a lighthouse. A simulation method is used to determine and compare the optimal configuration of the HRES with the diesel generator-based system. An evaluation of all possible scenarios of standalone systems was carried out by considering the amount of fuel consumption and pollutant emittance, capacity shortage, excess electricity production, unmet energy and renewable fraction parameters of each system scenario. From the findings, the hybrid energy system of Scenario A that consists of tidal turbines, PVs, generator, battery, and converter produces better results where the diesel fuel consumption can be reduced up to 84% in comparison with the standalone generator-based system.