Design Of A Photovoltaic And Mini Hydro Power Generation With Energy Storage To Build Energy Sustainability (The Case Of Merti Metehara)

Abstract

The work presented in this thesis concerns the dimensioning of Mini hydro, PV plant and Energy Storage System (ESS) which will be used as an energy buffer for merti metehara area. This ESS should help managing the metehara sugar factory company to inject electricity into their system in order to replace diesel turbine installed there. PV plant with rating of 400kw and mini hydro with rating of 400kw is designed. The capacity of ESS with rating of 400kw is chosen to satisfy peak hour power need for customer. The ESS is charged during peak off period (12:00 am to 6:00 am) from the grid. Hence cost comparison of PV, mini hydro and ESS with diesel engine is performed. The conclusion of this work is that PV, mini hydro and ESS is cost beneficial and environmental friendly compared with diesel engine. The design of the ESS can be made within an acceptable budget. The capacity of ESS to link with the PV system and mini hydro depends on the priorities of the final output characteristics, and it also depends on which economic parameter that is chosen as a priority. In conclusion, a 1200kw power for 4 hours was produced and stored to satisfy the workers of the company without sustained power interruption. This design aspect increases the reliability and reduces the cost compared to Diesel engine used for backup usage. It is recommended the metehara sugar factory to install renewable energy (solar energy and hydro power energy) with ESS for additional power need.