A Comparison of Off-Grid-Pumped Hydro Storage and Grid-Tied Options for an IRSOFC-HAWT Power Generator

Abstract

An Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IRSOFC) is modeled thermodynamically; a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) is designed; the combined IRSOFC-HAWT system should create a reliable source of electricity for the demand of a village located in Manjil, Iran. The output power of HAWT is unstable, but by controlling the fuel rate for the IRSOFC it is possible to have a stable power output from the combined system. When the electricity demand is over the peak or the wind speed is low/unstable/significantly high, the generated power may not be sufficient. To solve this problem, two scenarios are considered: connecting to the grid or using a Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS). For the second scenario, the extra produced electricity is saved when the production is more than demand and can be used when the extra power is needed. The economic analysis is done based on the economic conditions in Iran. The results will show a period of return about 9.5 and 13 years with the levelized cost of electricity about 0.0747 and 0.0882 $/kWh for the first and second scenarios, respectively. Furthermore, effects of some parameters such as the electricity price and the real interest rate are discussed.

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“…94,95 The project's life, n, is assumed to be 20 years. 96 I is the real discount rate modified by the inflation rate and nominal discount rate. 94,96 AEP is the annual energy production.…”

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“…l is the real rate of discount, which is corrected based on the inflation rate and nominal interest rate 44,46 . The real discount rate is calculated from the difference between the nominal interest rate ( i ) and the inflation rate ( r ) according to the following formula 44,47 : $$$I=\frac{1+i}{1+r}-1.$$$…”