Track: Operations Management

Abstract

Off grid power generation options offer a cheaper and sustainable approach to electrify remote and rural communities. The main challenge associated with the use of a single technology is the danger of oversizing of the power systems
at the project beginning hence high capital investment. Other limitations are high greenhouse gas emissions and low system reliability. Using a hybrid system and storage can overcome the intermittent nature of renewable energy
sources and the problem of oversizing and improve the reliability of energy supply while at the same limiting the environmental impact related to use of fossil fuels. In this study, a performance analysis of Garissa power Station in
Kenya was done. The study showed the power station had 6 diesel engine generators with a total installed capacity of 4,257 kW and effective capacity of 1,950 kW against peak demand of between 3600 for Garissa Town at the time
of the study. Therefore, the town had a power deficit of 1650 kW during peak hours and therefore requires installed capacity of about 2053 kW (with engines availability factor of 80%) to meet the demand. However, based on the
effective capacity factor, up to 3,587kW in new capacity was needed. This deficit was partially addressed temporarily by overhauling two engines of capacity 1064 kW that were out of service and which had been derated from a capacity 674 kW to 250 kW due to mechanical defects. Th study showed that generation improved by 44 by overhaul of engines 1 and 2 even though the generation from engines 5& 6 diminished due to expiry of after sales service and hence delays in maintenance. The study demonstrated the importance of proper and timely maintenance of diesel engines for reliable power supply and challenges associated with use of single technology in power supply for off grid systems.