DESIGN OF A STAND-ALONE PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTER SYSTEM FOR SELECTED LOAD CENTRES IN THE FACULTY OF ENGINERING, UNIVERSITY OF BENIN BY
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Abstract
This study details the design and comprehensive economic analysis of a standalone Photovoltaic (PV) inverter system tailored for selected load centre within the Faculty of Engineering. The primary aim was to devise an optimal, reliable, and sustainable energy solution capable of independently meeting the critical electrical load demands of the facility. This project directly addresses the necessity for a cleaner and cheaper power source in the face of continuous grid rising operational expenses, thereby proposing a resilient renewable energy alternative.
The methodology adhered to a structured process, beginning with load survey to precisely quantify the energy consumption patterns and peak demand. Following this, essential system components including the PV array, battery bank, and inverter were initially sized using fundamental mathematical equations. The
technical and economic optimization of the system was then conducted through dynamic simulation using the specialized HOMER Pro(version 64-3.11.2) software, which successfully identified a range of technically feasible solutions. The final critical step involved an in-depth economic analysis, comparing the lifecycle cost of the optimized PV system against the cost of energy supplied by the existing utility grid.
The simulation and economic assessment confirmed the viability and financial advantage of the designed PV inverter system. The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the PV inverter system was calculated to be ₦143.47/kWh, demonstrating a significant cost benefit when compared to the utility grid supply's LCOE of
₦209.5/kWh. This result conclusively shows that the PV solution is cheaper and more sustainable over the 25-year project lifetime. With a favorable payback period calculated at 13.4 years, the study concludes that the proposed PV inverter system represents a robust, financially sound, and economically superior investment
for guaranteeing a continuous power supply to the Centre study details the design and comprehensive economic analysis of a standalone Photovoltaic (PV) inverter system tailored for a selected Centre within the Faculty of Engineering
The methodology adhered to a structured process, beginning with load survey to precisely quantify the energy consumption patterns and peak demand. Following this, essential system components including the PV array, battery bank, and inverter were initially sized using fundamental mathematical equations. The
technical and economic optimization of the system was then conducted through dynamic simulation using the specialized HOMER Pro(version 64-3.11.2) software, which successfully identified a range of technically feasible solutions. The final critical step involved an in-depth economic analysis, comparing the lifecycle cost of the optimized PV system against the cost of energy supplied by the existing utility grid.
The simulation and economic assessment confirmed the viability and financial advantage of the designed PV inverter system. The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for the PV inverter system was calculated to be ₦143.47/kWh, demonstrating a significant cost benefit when compared to the utility grid supply's LCOE of
₦209.5/kWh. This result conclusively shows that the PV solution is cheaper and more sustainable over the 25-year project lifetime. With a favorable payback period calculated at 13.4 years, the study concludes that the proposed PV inverter system represents a robust, financially sound, and economically superior investment
for guaranteeing a continuous power supply to the Centre study details the design and comprehensive economic analysis of a standalone Photovoltaic (PV) inverter system tailored for a selected Centre within the Faculty of Engineering
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