An Innovative Micro-Grid Hybrid Power System using Hydro, Wind, and Solar Photovoltaic Energy Sources in Remote Village

Abstract

Before implementing a full-phase power generating system based on renewable energy sources, several aspects must be addressed.  Before making any judgments on the implementation of such systems, long-term essential data (for one year if feasible) should be collected.  We evaluated solar irradiance, wind speed, and ambient temperature at two high altitude locations in Andhra Pradesh, India, the chippapalle and Sankupartiin Visakhapatnam District, to correctly determine the potential of available resources.  We provide two realistic, cost-effective hybridization approaches for tiny micro-grid systems that are totally powered by renewable energy sources, including solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and micro-hydro.  One of the strategies was evaluated experimentally, and the results may be used to assist accomplish Millennium Development Goal 7: Environmental sustainability.  In terms of worldwide installed capacity, hydro, wind, and solar photovoltaic energy are the leading renewable energy sources.  However, no reports of micro-grid hybrid systems combining all three sources have been published, making this deployment the first of its sort anywhere.  This study might be used as a practical guide for building comparable systems in different regions.  One of the four micro-grid PV systems established for rural electrification in Andhra Pradesh villages by the authors was further hybridised with wind and hydro power sources.  This study describes an innovative method for linking renewable energy sources to a utility mini-grid.