Design of a Minimum Cost Hybrid Energy System under Sinop Conditions

Abstract

This study presents a technical and economic analysis of a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system in Sinop, one of the regions in Turkey with high wind energy potential. The primary objective of the research is to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and meet the energy demand of a residence at the lowest cost by utilizing renewable energy sources. The analyses were carried out using HOMER Pro software, by importing Sinop's solar radiation and wind speed data and taking these values as a basis. As a result of different scenarios tested, the hybrid structure consisting of one 3 kW wind turbine, 1.16 kW photovoltaic (PV) panels, and a 0.750 kW system converter was identified as the most efficient solution for the regional conditions.

According to the simulation results, the system produces a total of 7,955 kWh of electrical energy annually. While a major portion of 61% (4,851 kWh/year) of the produced energy is provided by the wind turbine, 19.4% (1,543 kWh/year) is obtained from the solar panels. The renewable energy fraction of the system reached a high rate of 80%, reducing the residence's dependency on external energy to the lowest level. When the economic data are examined, the Net Present Cost (NPC) was calculated as $2,505.34 and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) as $0.0247/kWh. Furthermore, selling 47.5% (3,713 kWh/year) of the surplus energy produced back to the grid creates a source of income that ensures the economic sustainability of the system. The results obtained from the study reveal that small-scale hybrid systems established in the Sinop location are both technically reliable and highly advantageous in terms of investment costs as well as promoting renewable energy.