Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of a solar-wind-biomass off-grid hybrid power system for remote rural electrification: A case study of west China

Demand for electricity is a key bottleneck for the development of remote areas. Grid extension to remote areas has previously been constrained due to difficult terrain for construction and vast investment. Fast development of decentralized renewable energy production technologies provides opportunity for tackling the challenges. The study aims to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of off-grid hybrid renewable energy system for remote rural electrification, via a case study of a village in West China by performing simulation, optimization and sensitivity analysis. Daily and seasonal characteristics of energy supply as well as demand sizes and patterns of remote rural areas are considered. Different combinations of PV panels, wind turbine and biogas generator are modeled and optimized in Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER). The most cost competitive configuration is determined whilst ensuring a reliable power supply featuring residential, community, commercial and agricultural demand of the village. Comparison of the off-grid hybrid power system and grid extension has been carried out. Results show that a hybrid power system comprising solar, wind and biomass is a reliable and cost-effective option for sustainable remote rural electrification whilst achieving environmental benefits.