Track: Optimization

Abstract

It is estimated that around 1.3 billion people globally still have either limited or no access at all to electricity. These, in turn, have directed greater focus on affordable, accessible, and environmental-friendly renewable energy systems. In countries like the Philippines with numerous unelectrified remote communities, there is even greater need to incorporate affordable renewable energy technologies because the cost of investing in national grid extensions proves to be very costly. Micro hydroelectric power is a clean and efficient source of energy that has been used for the electrification of rural off-grid communities around the world. In this paper, an optimization model for the design of an off grid micro hydro power plant is developed. The proposed model is able to provide the necessary technical specifications given certain parameters such as details on the site location and requirements of the small rural community. Additionally, the model is also able to provide the minimum cost needed to invest in the micro hydro power plant. Finally, the model is then compared with current cost equations to see how the model compares with current studies.