Feasibility Study and Optimization of a Standalone Hybrid System for Remote Area: A Case Study of High Atlas Mountains in Morocco

摘要

Hybrid systems based on photovoltaic and wind energy sources are more recognized as cost-effective generation sources for remote rural area and isolated power system. This paper presents a detailed feasibility study and techno-economic evaluation of a standalone hybrid system, based on renewable energy (RE) sources with batteries for a remote area installed in High Atlas mountains in Morocco. The HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software was used to simulate the system and perform a techno-economic evaluation. A description and analysis of the proposed system are presented, net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) are evaluated to achieve an optimal configuration. A sensitivity analysis on load consumption was performed to evaluate the impact on COE, NPC, and other parameters. By adopting the solution proposed in this paper, the load will be supplied in all conditions. Additionally, this solution will not only provide electricity to people of Atlas who already suffer from isolation but also to raise their standard of living.