Sizing Optimization and Economic Modeling of a Stand-alone Hybrid Power System for Supplying RO System in MacCallum

Abstract

Access to potable water has always been a fundamental human need. However, climate changes and water contamination are now exacerbating its scarcity. Consequently, the desalination of existing water sources has become increasingly critical. A reverse osmosis (RO) treatment system was employed in this study due to its lower energy consumption compared to other methods and its high effectiveness in removing lead from water. We aimed to provide electricity for a water system serving the remote community of McCallum in Newfoundland and Labrador. McCallum faces water shortages and lead contamination issues, and due to its isolated location, it remains disconnected from the electricity grid. To address this, we designed a hybrid energy system (HES) capable of supplying the necessary electricity for the water system. After conducting an economic analysis, we proposed the most optimal configuration using Homer Pro software. This configuration includes 3.19 kW PV panels, a 2-kW wind turbine, a 3-kW diesel generator, and 32.3 kWh batteries. The optimized system has a net present cost (NPC) of $44,382, which is 3.4 times less than that of the diesel-only system with an NPC of $153,940. Additionally, we investigated the system’s sensitivity to changes in diesel prices and the annual average load to observe its behavior. This paper offers a reliable and environment-friendly HES for the water system in McCallum.