Solar-wind hybrid energy system for new engineering complex- technical university of Mombasa

Abstract

A hybrid energy system combines multiple types of energy generation in order to meet the demand of the users effectively and efficiently. The Solar-Wind hybrid system consists of electrical energy generated from wind and solar PV systems, it is a valuable method in the transition away from fossil fuel based economies. It capitalizes on existing wind regimes and solar energy available in a particular area or region. It is in public domain that environmental degradation has greatly increased due to the adaptation of fossil fuel driven generators to produce electricity. Power system interruptions and black-outs have posed major threats to most sub-Saharan African Countries. This has negatively affected the operations of industries and universities. Resulting in major losses that cumulatively impact negatively on their economy. The objective of this paper was to analyze and design a solar-wind hybrid system for powering the New Engineering Complex at the Technical University of Mombasa (NEC-TUM). The methodology involved was first to determine the electrical loading of the building in terms of lighting and power loads. The next step was to analyze the wind speed pattern and solar intensity on the roof of the building using RET Screen software. The results obtained and specifications of the components used in the model were fed into HOMER software for simulation purposes. It was found that the optimum mix of wind and photovoltaic power with an electromechanical storage system, with or without fossil fuel generator back up, depends upon the individual sub-systems economics. Furthermore, the hybrid system was able to produce 63.36kWh/day against the 50kWh/day required by the NEC-TUM for lighting and power loads.