Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Energy System for Rural Electrification for the Hasik Area, Oman

Main Article Content

Abdullah Al-Badi
Ahmed Al-Farsi
Tariq Al-Abri
Mohammed Al-Mamari

Abstract

Renewable energy resources have become the best way to solve the issues created by traditional power resources in terms of environmental effects, energy cost reduction, and high-power demand. The hybrid-based system gives a realistic economic solution where grid extension is non-feasible especially for remote areas. The main objective of this study is to determine the optimum size of a hybrid-based system to fulfill the requirements of remote sites located in the Hasik area in the southern part of Oman. The work is carried out using HOMER Pro and MATLAB software. The proposed hybrid system in the Hasik network is a combination of PV systems with existing diesel generation. Real load data as well as solar radiations were utilized in the proposed model. HOMER selected an optimum solution for the hybrid system resulting in a combination of a 2,500 kW PV system and 3,100 kW diesel generation as well as providing a reduction in the cost of energy and CO2 emissions by 13% and 22%, respectively. The optimum PV sizing for the hybrid system was determined using a genetic algorithm tool in MATLAB. The optimization was based on reducing the system power losses, improving the voltage profile, and minimizing cost. Optimization verification was done using load flow analysis by MATLAB to determine the PV sizing effects on the system power losses and voltage profile. Based on the model results, the hybrid system is feasible in the Hasik area. 

Article Details

How to Cite
Al-Badi, Abdullah, Ahmed Al-Farsi, Tariq Al-Abri, and Mohammed Al-Mamari. 2023. “Economic Analysis of a Hybrid Energy System for Rural Electrification for the Hasik Area, Oman”. Journal of Energy and Development 48 (2):157–174. https://doi.org/10.56476/jed.v48i2.7.
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Articles
Author Biographies

Abdullah Al-Badi, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University

Abdullah Al-Badi, a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the United Kingdom. Dr. Al-Badi has published more than 180 publications and co-authored one edited book. He has carried out 46 research and consultancy projects with total attracted funds of over USD $2.2 million. The author’s other honors include being named as Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2021 and 2022), receiving the Best Researcher Award from Sultan Qaboos University (2022), and earning His Majesty the Sultan of Oman’s Royal Order of Commendation (Second Class) Recognition in the Field of Research, Innovation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (2023). Dr. Al-Badi is Chair for the IEEE Oman Section, an IEEE program evaluator for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), and an External Reviewer for Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA). The author’s appointments include Dean for Admissions and Registration, Dean for the College of Engineering, and Research Chair, Madayn for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free Zones. Google Scholar: ‪Abdullah H. Al-Badi‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬ Research Gate: Abdullah AL-BADI | Professor (Full) | PhD UMIST, UK | Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat | SQU | Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering | Research profile (researchgate.net)

Long CV: Abdullah Al-Badi 10.pdf (squ.edu.om)

Ahmed Al-Farsi, Sultan Qaboos University

Ahmed Al-Farsi received his B.Sc. degree in Power System and Energy Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University where he is currently pursuing a M.S. degree at Sultan Qaboos University. His research interests focus on the impact of renewable energy on the overall inertia of the power system. The author has published a paper exploring the effects and implications of integrating renewable energy sources on the inertia characteristics of the power system.

Tariq Al-Abri , Sultan Qaboos University

Tariq Al-Abri obtained his B.Sc. degree in Power System and Energy Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University where he is enrolled in the M.S. program focusing his research on the integration of Blockchain technology with energy applications. The author has a keen interest in peer-to-peer energy transactions and the influence of electric vehicles. He has contributed to several publications on these topics.

Mohammed Al-Mamari

Mohammed Al-Mamari received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Sultan Qaboos University. He has published several publications in the protection and automation field. He is currently working at NAMA Distribution Company, a leading power distribution utility in Oman. The author has experience in electrical protection engineering with more than eight years related to oil and gas, electrical utilities, and consultancy.

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