FEASIBILITY STUDY OF STAND-ALONE HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN NIGERIA: THE CASE STUDY OF ALA-AJAGBUSI COMMUNITY

In this study, the energy demand of Ala-Ajagbusi community is met by simulation using hybrid energy system which consists of wind energy as primary energy source combined with diesel generator and researchable batteries. The community is situated in a remote area without electrical network access. The most suitable hybrid energy system based on the energy resources (wind and solar) available at the site is determined by simulation using HOMER while considering that energy continuity is maintained by using diesel generator and sufficient number of batteries. A life-cycle cost analysis is carried out over 20 year’s system lifetime. For each combination, the necessary number of batteries to continuously supply the community with energy is calculated and economic analysis of each system is performed. The simulation results demonstrate that wind/diesel/battery hybrid system is the most suitable option with optimal size of 300kW diesel generator, 3 numbers of Enercon-E33 wind turbines, 200 numbers of Trojan LI6P battery and 200kW converter. The option represents renewable energy fraction of 74% with total Net Present Cost (NPC) of $9,605,548 and Cost of Energy (COE) of $0.373/kWh. The result also show saving of 1,186,082kg/yr of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 2,928kg/yr of carbon monoxide (CO) compared to non-renewable generation option (diesel generator only).