A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems
Abstract Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis, which is adversely affecting its economy due to cost, reliability, and availability constraints within the power infrastructure. While electrochemical storage presents a potential remedy, its implementation faces hurdles like...
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Nature Portfolio
2024-06-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64427-4 |
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| author | Reagan Jean Jacques Molu Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi Mohit Bajaj Patrice Wira Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso Barun K. Das Milkias Berhanu Tuka Arvind R. Singh |
| author_facet | Reagan Jean Jacques Molu Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi Mohit Bajaj Patrice Wira Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso Barun K. Das Milkias Berhanu Tuka Arvind R. Singh |
| author_sort | Reagan Jean Jacques Molu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis, which is adversely affecting its economy due to cost, reliability, and availability constraints within the power infrastructure. While electrochemical storage presents a potential remedy, its implementation faces hurdles like high costs and technical limitations. Conversely, generator-based systems, although a viable alternative, bring their own set of issues such as noise pollution and demanding maintenance requirements. This paper meticulously assesses a novel hybrid energy system specifically engineered to meet the diverse energy needs of Douala, Cameroon. By employing advanced simulation techniques, especially the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro program, the study carefully examines the intricacies of load demands across distinct consumer categories while accommodating varied pricing models. The paper offers a detailed analysis of the proposed grid-connected PV/Diesel/Generator system, aiming to gauge its performance, economic feasibility, and reliability in ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. Notably, the study unveils significant potential for cost reduction per kilowatt-hour, indicating promising updated rates of $0.07/kW, $0.08/kW, and $0.06/kW for low, medium, and high usage groups, respectively. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of overcoming operational challenges and constraints such as temperature fluctuations, equipment costs, and regulatory compliance. It also acknowledges the impact of operational nuances like maintenance and grid integration on system efficiency. As the world progresses towards renewable energy adoption and hybrid systems, this investigation lays a strong foundation for future advancements in renewable energy integration and energy management strategies. It strives to create a sustainable energy ecosystem in Cameroon and beyond, where hybrid energy systems play a pivotal role in mitigating power deficiencies and supporting sustainable development. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7f403c42f24f46b69b0609f875079166 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-06-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-7f403c42f24f46b69b0609f8750791662025-01-26T12:34:47ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222024-06-0114112610.1038/s41598-024-64427-4A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systemsReagan Jean Jacques Molu0Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi1Mohit Bajaj2Patrice Wira3Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso4Barun K. Das5Milkias Berhanu Tuka6Arvind R. Singh7Technology and Applied Sciences Laboratory, U.I.T. of Douala, University of DoualaTechnology and Applied Sciences Laboratory, U.I.T. of Douala, University of DoualaDepartment of Electrical Engineering, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University)Laboratoire IRIMAS, University de Haute AlsaceTechnology and Applied Sciences Laboratory, U.I.T. of Douala, University of DoualaSchool of Engineering, Edith Cowan UniversityDepartment of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology UniversityDepartment of Electrical Engineering, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hanjiang Normal UniversityAbstract Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis, which is adversely affecting its economy due to cost, reliability, and availability constraints within the power infrastructure. While electrochemical storage presents a potential remedy, its implementation faces hurdles like high costs and technical limitations. Conversely, generator-based systems, although a viable alternative, bring their own set of issues such as noise pollution and demanding maintenance requirements. This paper meticulously assesses a novel hybrid energy system specifically engineered to meet the diverse energy needs of Douala, Cameroon. By employing advanced simulation techniques, especially the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro program, the study carefully examines the intricacies of load demands across distinct consumer categories while accommodating varied pricing models. The paper offers a detailed analysis of the proposed grid-connected PV/Diesel/Generator system, aiming to gauge its performance, economic feasibility, and reliability in ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. Notably, the study unveils significant potential for cost reduction per kilowatt-hour, indicating promising updated rates of $0.07/kW, $0.08/kW, and $0.06/kW for low, medium, and high usage groups, respectively. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of overcoming operational challenges and constraints such as temperature fluctuations, equipment costs, and regulatory compliance. It also acknowledges the impact of operational nuances like maintenance and grid integration on system efficiency. As the world progresses towards renewable energy adoption and hybrid systems, this investigation lays a strong foundation for future advancements in renewable energy integration and energy management strategies. It strives to create a sustainable energy ecosystem in Cameroon and beyond, where hybrid energy systems play a pivotal role in mitigating power deficiencies and supporting sustainable development.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64427-4OptimizationTechno-economicHybrid renewable energyGrid-connected |
| spellingShingle | Reagan Jean Jacques Molu Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi Mohit Bajaj Patrice Wira Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso Barun K. Das Milkias Berhanu Tuka Arvind R. Singh A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems Scientific Reports Optimization Techno-economic Hybrid renewable energy Grid-connected |
| title | A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems |
| title_full | A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems |
| title_fullStr | A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems |
| title_short | A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems |
| title_sort | techno economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in douala cameroon s grid connected systems |
| topic | Optimization Techno-economic Hybrid renewable energy Grid-connected |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64427-4 |
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