Solar Hybrid for Power Generation in a Rural Area: Its Technology and Application

Abstract

One of the primary needs for socio economic development in any nation in the world is the provision of reliable electricity supply systems. This paper develops an indigenous technology hybrid solar /Wind/ Diesel Power system that harnesses the renewable energies in Sun and Wind to generate electricity. Renewable energy resources are a favourable alternative for rural energy supply. In order to handle the fluctuating nature, hybrid systems can be applied. The 2007-2016, nine years solar radiation data, and the 2007– 2016 data for wind speed for Potiskum in Yobe State of Nigeria, were collected. The two parameter Wielbull distribution was used to simulate power in watts per meter square densities for the nine years period. Load estimates of a typical rural community and for rural ICT infrastructures were estimated. The step by step design of a 15kW solar power supply system and a 10kW wind power was done as a sample case. The results showed the average exploitable wind power density of 54.5W/m2 average mean speed of 8.04m/s. It was found that with the exception of monsoon months, August and September, solar energy can be utilized throughout the year for North-Eastern region of Nigeria. Therefore, the development of hybrid wind-solar system for off grid communities will go a long way to improve socio economy lives of people in that community.