TRADE-OFF BETWEEN COST AND CO2 EMISSION IN OPTIMIZATION OF HYBRID RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA

• Main Author: Alkhwaildi, Hassan
• Format: Others
• Published: OpenSIUC 2020
• Online Access: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/2789; https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3803&context=theses

Renewable energy sources (RESs) are considered as the most reliable option in the terms of reducing CO2 emission. RESs are known by their low operation and maintenance (O&M) cost and easier installation. In the previous years, their reliability was less due to their uncertainty; however, in the modern days, it is possible to limit RES fluctuations by recently developed technologies such as optimization tools and precise forecasting algorithms. RESs are not always preferred in case studies where the fossil fuels are extremely cheap. In such countries, investors prefer to implement gas turbines or diesel generators regardless of the penalty associated with their negative impacts of such plants on the environmental. Many countries that have low fuel cost are going forward with expanding the conventional power systems with a low growth towards the hybrid renewable power system. This would increase the reliance on sources such as fossil fuels which diminish over time. Moreover, many environmental benefits of the hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) would not be achieved in which it will be harmful to the environment. Therefore, a trade-off solution is proposed towards solving this problem in which it would make a balance between cost and CO2 emissions. To this end, in this thesis, the objective is to find a reasonable solution (i.e., trade-off) between the cost and the emission. To find such a trade-off, an optimization software called “HOMER Pro” is utilized to identify the optimal design. A compromised solution will be identified with low CO2 emission and low net present cost (NPC). Saudi Arabian Wasit Gas Plant (WGP) owned by Saudi Aramco Company, which is located in a remote area of the country, is chosen as the case study of this thesis. A photovoltaic (PV), wind turbine, reformer, battery, hydrogen tank, and fuel cells are considered to be implemented on the investigated case study.