Economic Aspects of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Remote Area Ajai Gupta, R P Saini, M P Sharma Abstract-Hybrid energy systems are increasingly being applied For off-grid power supplies, a diesel generator (DG) system in areas where grid extension is considered uneconomical. Their is most attractive because of its low capital, although operation costs can be minimized through proper equipment sizing and load and maintenance cost is high and engine emnissions can pollute matching. This paper reports an investigation on the economic aspects of a typical hybrid energy system for remote area in India. an environment [6,7]. In some cases, diesel generator is not For this purpose, the Jaunpur block of Uttaranchal state of India cost effective due to high fuel transportation cost to remote has been selected as remote area. The model is developed with the area. Systems employing totally clean renewable energy such objective of minimizing cost function based on demand and as high capital cost that could be an important barrier. potential constraints. The model has been optimized using LINDO However, we can produce green power by adding different software 6.10 version. From the economic analysis, the capital renewable energy sources to diesel generator and battery which cost, cost of energy for different types of resources, optimized cost is called a hybrid system. This kind of system can compromise of hybrid energy system are determined. The variation of the optimized cost of energy with increase in the load to be satisfied mintent cost, dise fueliusa steandsalso ope an by hybrid system has also been reported. maintenance costs. Many hybrid systems sizing have been studied and optimized by economic analysis based on system life cycle cost and cost of energy [8,9,10]. I. INTRODUCTION Optimization of a hybrid energy system is site specific and it There are only about 7.3600 of over 15761 villages in depends upon the resources available and the load demand. Uttaranchal that are ntThe aim of this study is to identify the most economic and Uttaranchal that are not yet electrified. These villages are eitheraprritpoesulyytmfraslcedeoerrl on hill or in remote areas. Jaunpur block, consisting of clusters aroat of villages, a hill-tribe remote area in district Tehri Garhwal, is area one of them. The village is accessible by road from the city. There are 8291 households with population of 50,636. The II. METHODOLOGY houses are close to each other and most of the households use A. Study Area candles and kerosene lamps for lighting in early morning and The remote rural area for the study was Jaunpur block of in the evening. Peoples are facing the main needs such as good district Tehri Garhwal of Uttaranchal state, India. The area type of food facility & drinking water and electricity. Only comprises of major hilly and the fertile area under forest with primary school is available in some villages. Peoples have not scattered households. The area has been considered by higher education. Only one zone of this block is selected as a UREDA to be remote and not economically viable for case study in this work [1]. electrification by grid extension. The Jaunpur block (study A hybrid energy system consists of two or more energy area) divided into four zones of clusters of villages and only systems, an energy storage system, power conditioning 900 of the total villages are unelectrified, which have been equipment and a controller [2]. A hybrid energy system may or considered for the present study as the best candidate for may not be connected to the grid. Examples of energy systems electrification by decentralized hybrid energy systems commonly used in hybrid configurations are small wind consisting of biomass, micro hydro, solar, wind, diesel turbines, photovoltaic systems, micro hydro, biomass, diesel generator. There is a primary school in every gram sabha, generator, fuel cells and stirling engines. The Hybrid consisting of 6 to 7 villages. The literacy level in Jaunpur block Renewable Energy System (HES) has received much attention is 160 for women and 620 for men. The total literacy rate of over the past decade. It is a viable alternative solution as the Jaunpur block is 38.9%. compared to systems, which rely entirely on hydrocarbon fuel. The study area has adequate sunshine, low to moderate wind Apart from the mobility of the system, it also has longer life , ~~~~~speeds, falling water iS available 8- 10 months in a year cycle. In particular, the integrated approach [3,4,5] makes a frequently, and biomass resource is available in sufficient hybrid system to be the most appropriate for isolated amount. Monthly average horizontal solar radiations communities such as remote area in Uttaranchal. (insolation in kW/M2) in study area is shown in figure 1. Monthly average wind speed distribution at 1 Om height recorded at study area (300 04-N, 780 37'-E) [Details of Ajai.Gupta, R.P.Saini, and M.P.Sharma are with Alternate Hydro Energy Bachlikhal Metrological Station] is shown in figure 2. During a Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, UA-247667 India (phone: 9411153723; e-mail: ajai ms2002@ yahoo.co.in). day wind speed varies from 2.99 m/s to 6.37 m/s. 1-4244-0726-5/06/$20.OO '2006 IEEE 1706