Design of an energy-efficient hybrid power source for remote locations as a student project

Abstract

This paper describes an undergraduate or graduate level student project that involves the design of an energy-efficient hybrid power source for remote communities that have no connection to other electric utility systems. One such application is the development of stand-alone electric power sources for Native American villages in rural Alaska. This student project addresses many facets of engineering design and development including system component design and system integration, as well as environmental and social impacts, and economic concerns. The design requires consideration of all possible energy sources and energy conversion alternatives in the development of a hybrid system. Available energy sources may include wind, solar, small head or river hydro, thermoelectric generators, microturbine technology, and thermoelectric systems, battery and other energy storage devices combined with the existing diesel/electric or gasoline/electric generators. The selection of energy sources for this application depends not only on the power requirements and location, but also on environmental, economic, social, and political concerns. Economic considerations include the life cycle cost and estimated unit cost of electricity generated. System efficiency must also be determined, including the possibility of utilizing waste thermal energy. A major factor in this design is the transfer of the technology to rural Alaskan communities which have limited technical literacy.