Simulation of Hybrid On-grid and Off-grid System Using Homer Pro

Abstract

Electricity is the most adaptable and easily controlled form of energy and can be easily obtained from renewable sources (inexhaustible). The demand for electricity in the world, including India is rising at an alarming rate because it assumes a very essential role in the economic growth of a nation. There are a large number of remote or rural areas in India where the reach of conventional sources of energy is either not practical or very difficult. This paper proposes a PV-biogas-Battery system to meet the energy needs of rural areas of Uttar Pradesh (U.P), where the grid is not accessible. The comparison of the On-grid PV-Biogas system, Off-grid PV-Biogas-battery system and On-grid PV system is done. Techno-economic analysis of the above systems is also done. It is found that in the present scenario the Off-grid PV-Biogas-Battery system gives the best results. Considering the future possibility that the villages get to the grid, On-grid PV system is also designed which gives the best result in this scenario. The modelling and simulation are done with HOMER Pro Software. Besides providing electricity to the village from a hybrid PV-Biogas-battery system, it is also prescribed to use the gases (like methane) produced in the bio gas plant to provide as cooking gas to households Biogas can also be upgraded into biomethane, which is known as renewable natural gas or RNG, and infuse into natural gas pipelines or used as a fuel in vehicle and to utilize the output waste produce in bio gas plant for manuring purpose. This manure can replace fertilizers eventually increasing yield without compromising the nutrient and composition of soil.