Microgrid design for remote location in Chile using a scenario-based methodology

Published in: Engineering Innovations for Global Sustainability: Proceedings of the 14th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: July 20-22, 2016
Location of Conference: San Jose, Costa Rica
Authors: Rubén Hidalgo León
Pablo Jácome Ruiz
Javier Urquizo Guevara
Guillermo Soriano Idrovo
Refereed Paper: #127

Abstract:

This project presents a solution for the design of a microgrid in Jaboneria, located in Chile considering technical and economic aspects. For the design of the microgrid, the reference time of project is 20 years and a limited budget of USD $ 250836, which is conceived as a Rural Electrification Budget. In order to produce a solution to the problem, HOMER PRO software is used. Sensitivity variables were taken into account, these include the variation of the electrical load, the state of charge of the batteries and renewable electricity generation systems. In addition other design parameters such as fuel cost, limitation residential electricity consumption, battery type, annual load profiles, fixed capital costs, etc.; were used. The cost of an Energy Management System (EMS) is not considered in the present analysis. Using HOMER, an optimal solution that combines the design parameters to find an efficient electrical energy production configuration that combines renewable energy sources (solar-wind), conventional generation (diesel) and battery power was produced, prioritizing clean energy. The optimal solution is obtained by evaluating the Net Present Value - NPC (USD $) according to each of the scenarios generated by sensitivity variables. A schematic of the system components and the corresponding load profiles are shown. Then, the information concerning renewable resources that exist in the study area and the technical-economic information of each system components was introduced. In addition, parameters of model are established. A social plan of energy-efficient consumption and citizen participation is also proposed. Finally, a simulation and analysis of the results of the scenarios generated by sensitivity variables of the system are presented. The chosen solution had the lower value of NPC and it contains the final sizing of each of the system components. This solution has to be of less value than the base budget of the project.