Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda

Sustainable energy is central to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in electrifying underserved communities. This study examines Sigulu Island, which lacks grid electricity and relies on costly, polluting diesel generators. On-site assessments revealed a daily lo...

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Main Authors: Val Hyginus Udoka Eze, Joseph Simera Mwenyi, Kelechi John Ukagwu, Martin C. Eze, Chidinma Esther Eze, Wisdom O. Okafor
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Scientific African
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400396X
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author Val Hyginus Udoka Eze
Joseph Simera Mwenyi
Kelechi John Ukagwu
Martin C. Eze
Chidinma Esther Eze
Wisdom O. Okafor
author_facet Val Hyginus Udoka Eze
Joseph Simera Mwenyi
Kelechi John Ukagwu
Martin C. Eze
Chidinma Esther Eze
Wisdom O. Okafor
author_sort Val Hyginus Udoka Eze
collection DOAJ
description Sustainable energy is central to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in electrifying underserved communities. This study examines Sigulu Island, which lacks grid electricity and relies on costly, polluting diesel generators. On-site assessments revealed a daily load demand of 1,455.705 kWh. This study designed and analyzed a Sustainable Techno-economic Hybrid Renewable Energy System (STHRES) combining solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, with battery backup, to meet the island's energy needs. The research adopted both qualitative and quantitative methods, gathering atmospheric weather conditions specific to Sigulu Island. Solar panels and wind turbines were identified as the most viable options, with the system incorporating 677 units of 1 kW solar panels and 27 units of 1 kW wind turbines, generating 839.97 kW and 640.08 kW daily, respectively. Additionally, 527 Li-ion batteries were used to store approximately 1480.05 kW of surplus energy demand to manage fluctuations capable of sustaining the island for 8 hours during a total blackout. The initial installation costs are estimated at $90,393.04 for solar PV, $27,729.82 for wind turbines, $159,169.81 for batteries, and $92,407.00 for the inverter. The STHRES is projected to save $56,917.93 annually, covering 15.4 % of the installation costs compared to diesel operations. Moreover, this system will reduce Uganda's carbon footprint by 436,035.6 kgCO₂ annually, equivalent to a 0.01 % reduction in national emissions. The proposed system decreases the Net Present Cost (NPC) from $426,617.60 to $369,699.67 and the Cost of Energy (COE) from $32.12/kWh to $ 27.79/kWh. With a 9 % Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and a 3 % Return on Investment (ROI), STHRES has a payback period of 8.2 years, demonstrating its financial and environmental benefits for Sigulu Island.
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spelling doaj-art-141130534f7a4fe89eb7989f4bcdeaa32025-08-20T02:32:22ZengElsevierScientific African2468-22762024-12-0126e0245410.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02454Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, UgandaVal Hyginus Udoka Eze0Joseph Simera Mwenyi1Kelechi John Ukagwu2Martin C. Eze3Chidinma Esther Eze4Wisdom O. Okafor5Department of Electrical, Telecom. & Computer Engineering, Kampala International University, Uganda; Corresponding author: Department of Electrical, Telecom. & Computer Engineering, Kampala International University, Uganda.Department of Electrical, Telecom. & Computer Engineering, Kampala International University, UgandaDepartment of Electrical, Telecom. & Computer Engineering, Kampala International University, UgandaDepartment of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, NigeriaDepartment of Educational Foundations, Kampala International University, UgandaDepartment of Computer Science and Technology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UKSustainable energy is central to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in electrifying underserved communities. This study examines Sigulu Island, which lacks grid electricity and relies on costly, polluting diesel generators. On-site assessments revealed a daily load demand of 1,455.705 kWh. This study designed and analyzed a Sustainable Techno-economic Hybrid Renewable Energy System (STHRES) combining solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, with battery backup, to meet the island's energy needs. The research adopted both qualitative and quantitative methods, gathering atmospheric weather conditions specific to Sigulu Island. Solar panels and wind turbines were identified as the most viable options, with the system incorporating 677 units of 1 kW solar panels and 27 units of 1 kW wind turbines, generating 839.97 kW and 640.08 kW daily, respectively. Additionally, 527 Li-ion batteries were used to store approximately 1480.05 kW of surplus energy demand to manage fluctuations capable of sustaining the island for 8 hours during a total blackout. The initial installation costs are estimated at $90,393.04 for solar PV, $27,729.82 for wind turbines, $159,169.81 for batteries, and $92,407.00 for the inverter. The STHRES is projected to save $56,917.93 annually, covering 15.4 % of the installation costs compared to diesel operations. Moreover, this system will reduce Uganda's carbon footprint by 436,035.6 kgCO₂ annually, equivalent to a 0.01 % reduction in national emissions. The proposed system decreases the Net Present Cost (NPC) from $426,617.60 to $369,699.67 and the Cost of Energy (COE) from $32.12/kWh to $ 27.79/kWh. With a 9 % Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and a 3 % Return on Investment (ROI), STHRES has a payback period of 8.2 years, demonstrating its financial and environmental benefits for Sigulu Island.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400396XSolar photovoltaicWind turbineHybrid renewable energy systemIslandUgandaCost of energy
spellingShingle Val Hyginus Udoka Eze
Joseph Simera Mwenyi
Kelechi John Ukagwu
Martin C. Eze
Chidinma Esther Eze
Wisdom O. Okafor
Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
Scientific African
Solar photovoltaic
Wind turbine
Hybrid renewable energy system
Island
Uganda
Cost of energy
title Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
title_full Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
title_fullStr Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
title_full_unstemmed Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
title_short Design analysis of a sustainable techno-economic hybrid renewable energy system: Application of solar and wind in Sigulu Island, Uganda
title_sort design analysis of a sustainable techno economic hybrid renewable energy system application of solar and wind in sigulu island uganda
topic Solar photovoltaic
Wind turbine
Hybrid renewable energy system
Island
Uganda
Cost of energy
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246822762400396X
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