Cost Optimization of Micro grids Using Homer: A Case Study in Botswana

Authors

  • Sampath Kumar Venkatachary Botho University PO Box 501564, Botho Education Park Kgale KO, Gaborone Botswana
  • Jagdish Prasad Amity University
  • Ravi Samikannu BIUST

Abstract

Fast dwindling fossil fuels and its impact on carbon footprint, encourage the use of renewable energy sources as an alternative power source. Renewable energy resources are now playing a pivotal role in gradually adding to the development of community and country. This paper focuses on optimal sizing and design, planning and operation of a micro grid solution for Botswana and demonstrate the usage through three different scenarios while taking into account cost factors, environmental emissions, economics, etc. The three modeling includes a combination of Solar PV's, generators, grid. The simulations are carried out using well-known modeling software HOMER. The paper accommodates sensitivity analysis to perceive the impact of solar insolation, investment costs of PV, converters, and fuel price on the optimum result. The results also positively encourage the use of renewable energy as a source to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce carbon footprint as per Kyoto protocol.Keywords: Levelized Cost, O&M, Unmet Electricity Load, Annualized CostJEL Classifications: A19

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Author Biographies

Sampath Kumar Venkatachary, Botho University PO Box 501564, Botho Education Park Kgale KO, Gaborone Botswana

Sampath Kumar is a Research Scholar at Amity Business School, Amity University, Jaipur Rajasthan. He has received his Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Board of Technical Education, Karnataka, Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from SHAITS and Master's in Business Administration from Amity University Noida. He has over 25+ years of experience in the field of engineering and technology and is working as Technical Manager, Botho University. He is currently doing his research on Virtual Power Plant / Distributed Generation and is interested in AI, Cyber security impacts, cyber warfare, cyber terrorism

Jagdish Prasad, Amity University

Prof Jagdish Prasad is Retired Prof and Head of Department, University of Rajasthan and is now Coordinator, Amity School of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Rajasthan. He has supervised over 14 graduate students for PhD and has an extensive experience of 38 years in Research. He has published many research papers and is author of •Statistical techniques for family planning measures. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2011

Ravi Samikannu, BIUST

Prof. Ravi, obtained his Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, from Anna University, Chennai. Hehas a total teaching experience of 12years at UG and PG levels and more than 8 years in Research field.4 research scholars are doing research under his supervision. Dr.S.Ravi is currently working as a SeniorLecturer, Electrical Engineering Department in Botswana International University of Science andTechnology, Palapye, Botswana. He has published 25 research papers in International Journals. He haspresented 29 Papers and 4 projects in International and National Conferences, and has received the BestPaper Award two times for his presentation. Many times he has produced 100% pass in the UniversityExaminations. He is actively engaged in teaching, research and academic administration. He is arecognized guide for Ph.D programme of different universities in India. He has played a major role insetting up the various laboratories of the Department and prepared the Institution for accreditation byNBA (AICTE) and UGC for the autonomous status. He has organized Faculty Development Programme onSolar Electric Power Conversion System, Recent Trends in Nontechnology and Its Application to EnergySector sponsored by CSIR, India. He has played an / active role in organizing the AICTE sponsored staffDevelopment programme on Embedded Control Application on Drives and has attended 16 Workshops /Seminars etc., and has Chaired 3 National Technical Symposia. He is a member of IE(I),ISTE and IEEE. Hehas conducted a 4 National Level Symposium and a Science Exhibition. He is the reviewer in IEEE andother reputed Journals and has delivered special guest lecturers in many International and Nationalconferences.

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Published

2017-11-01

How to Cite

Venkatachary, S. K., Prasad, J., & Samikannu, R. (2017). Cost Optimization of Micro grids Using Homer: A Case Study in Botswana. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 7(5), 323–339. Retrieved from https://mail.econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/view/5258

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 5 (2017)

Section

Articles

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