A recent study led by Sabiha Kheder-Haddouche from the Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables in Algeria has unveiled a promising energy solution for remote communities in the southern region of the country. This research, published in the journal “Renewable Energy Review,” focuses on the development of a hybrid wind-diesel-battery system tailored for a village north of Timimoun, which comprises approximately thirty households.
The region boasts a favorable wind profile, with an average annual wind speed of around 5 m/s, making it an ideal candidate for harnessing wind energy. The study employs the HOMER optimization tool to analyze various configurations of energy systems, considering daily energy loads between 0.9 kWh and 3.6 kWh and wind speeds ranging from 3.99 m/s to 5.42 m/s.
Kheder-Haddouche and her team found that the most effective solution is a hybrid system utilizing the WES 5 Tulipo wind turbine, which has a rated power of 2.6 kW. This configuration not only provides a competitive cost of energy (COE) at $0.569 per kWh but also maximizes the renewable energy fraction to an impressive 86%. “The emissions of CO2, CO, and SO2 decrease to less than 70% of the emissions of a diesel power system,” Kheder-Haddouche noted, highlighting the environmental benefits alongside the economic ones.
The study also emphasizes the system’s resilience; it remains optimal for any wind speed above 3.5 m/s, regardless of diesel prices. This flexibility presents significant commercial opportunities, particularly in regions where diesel fuel costs are high and the supply is inconsistent. The hybrid system could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which is increasingly critical as the world shifts toward more sustainable energy practices.
This research not only showcases the potential for hybrid energy systems in remote areas of Algeria but also sets a precedent for similar implementations in other regions with comparable wind resources. As energy companies look to diversify their portfolios and invest in renewable technologies, the findings from this study could guide future projects aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and sustainability in underserved communities.
