A Solution to the Problem of Electrical Load Shedding Using Hybrid PV/Battery/Grid-Connected System: The Case of Households’ Energy Supply of the Northern Part of Cameroon

Abstract

A techno-economic study of a hybrid PV/Battery/Grid-connected system for energy supply is carried out in this paper to respond to the problem of electrical load shedding. An optimal design of the system is realized thanks to a double-objective optimization based on a proposed operational strategy of the system and on Firefly Algorithm (FA). The system is designed for household energy supply in three different towns of the northern part of Cameroon. For different LPSP (Loss of Power Supply Probability), the double objective simulation determines the optimal configurations of the system with their related cost. The optimal and reliable PV/Battery subsystem configuration corresponding to LPSP of 0% obtained for one household is composed for the towns of Maroua and Garoua by 8 PV modules and a battery capacity of 11.304 kWh with 1-day autonomy. For the town of Ngaoundéré, it is composed by 10 PV modules and battery capacity of 11.304 kWh with 1-day autonomy. The related investment costs corresponding to these optimal configurations are USD 6225.6 for Maroua and Garoua and USD 7136.6 for Ngaoundéré. The great proportion of the monthly energy demand consumed by the load is provided by the PV/Battery system. The monthly PV/Battery energy represents 60.385% to 72.546% of the load consumed in Maroua, 58.371% to 71.855% of the load consumed in Garoua, and 61.233% to 74.160% of the load consumed in Ngaoundéré. The annual main grid energy consumed for one household is 1299.524 kWh in Maroua, 1352.818 kWh in Garoua, and 1260.876 kWh in Ngaoundéré. Moreover, the annual PV/Battery energy consumed for one household is 1580.730 kWh in Maroua, 1527.815 kWh in Garoua, and 1619.530 kWh in Ngaoundéré. Thus, the PV/Battery system, by reducing the grid energy consumption, acts as the principal source of energy of the whole system. The time the PV/Battery/Grid-connected system needs to be economically more advantageous than the electric grid without blackouts is 17 years for Maroua and 18 years for both Garoua and Ngaoundéré. It is demonstrated in this paper that the hybrid PV/Battery/Grid-connected system is an effective solution for electrical load shedding in sub-Saharan zones. This system is very useful for grid energy consumption reduction. For a long-term investment, the PV/Battery/Grid-connected system is more economically advantageous than the main grid alone.

The Potential Role of Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Grid Intermittency Problem: A Techno-Economic Optimisation and Comparative Analysis

“…Accordingly, load shedding is imposed again at hours 16-18. The ESU discharges and satisfies the load during the first hour (16)(17). However, it reaches its maximum allowed limit to discharge.…”

“…Location Contributions Limitations [7], 2020 Pakistan Real-time monitoring to maximize PV and minimize grid utilization Feed-in tariff and time of use are not considered [17], 2021 Cameron Optimal sizing of PV and ESU, performed comparative analysis of HRES with grid Feed-in tariff and ESU life are not considered [18], 2019 Pakistan Load categorization as primary and deferrable load, comparative cost analysis of PV/ESU, PV/grid and ESU/grid system Variable demand not considered, simplified assumption of load shedding duration and HRES component sizes [19], 2020 Kenya Feed-in tariff and time of use considered Load shedding scenario at night-time not considered [20], 2018 India Economy mode and reliable mode. Time of use tariff is not considered, no cost analysis performed [22], 2021 Pakistan Energy management with feed-in tariff and time of use tariff proposed No cost analysis performed [21], 2022 Pakistan Lifecycle cost analysis performed Payback period analysis of HRES not considered [23], 2021 Egypt Hybrid firefly/harmony search algorithm, hourly real load data…”

“…Notwithstanding the number of studies on HRESs, limited research has been done on its application to mitigate the load shedding problem. A review of the literature published in the past five years addressing the load shedding condition resulted in eight documents [7,[17][18][19][20][21]. The contributions and limitations of these works are presented in Table 1.…”

The effect of electricity reliability on the sustainability of SMEs in Fako Division of Cameroon

“…The constant electricity supply interruptions in Cameroon are causing serious problems for businesses, which are at the center of development (Falama et al, 2021). Therefore, this study investigates the impact of electricity supply interruptions on SMEs in the Fako Division of the Southwest Region of Cameroon in view of developing strategies that the Electricity Utility Company of Cameroon (ENEO) could help reduce the frequency and duration of electricity supply interruptions.…”

Categorization of Loads in Educational Institutions to Effectively Manage Peak Demand and Minimize Energy Cost Using an Intelligent Load Management Technique

“…Supplying power for emerging loads and appliances is a crucial factor of concern for every nation. The expansion of power generation to meet demand is extremely challenging [1]. However, it is essential to contend with certain problems, including substantial load variations, a surge in demand that is happening quickly, and a geographic spread of clients [2].…”