Technical-economic feasibility analysis of micro grids integrating fuel cells in non-interconnected zones in Colombia

  • Daniel González-Montoya Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano
  • Carlos A. Ramos-Paja Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Bernardo A. Potosí-Guerrero Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Elkin E. Henao-Bravo Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • Andrés Julián Saavedra-Montes Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Keywords: Fuel cells, micro grids, HOMER software, non-interconnected zones, CO2 emissions

Abstract

The sustainable power solutions provided to non-interconnected zones should be based on the renewable energy resources available in each area. This presents a challenge for the techno-economic feasibility of alternative solutions through micro grids. The objective of this work is to analyze, using HOMER software, the techno-economic impact of introducing fuel cells on cost reduction during the lifetime of micro grids in non-interconnected zones. Such impact is evaluated in the technical design of the micro grid as Present Value and Levelized Cost of Electricity ($/kWh). The analysis considers the calculation of the demand of a generic village, the size and cost of the technologies that constitute the micro grid to satisfy the demand, and the availability of solar and wind power in two areas located at different latitudes in Colombia. In addition, the effect of introducing fuel cells into the energy mix was examined. Finally, the advantages were highlighted by comparing each case with traditional generation alternatives based on diesel consumption.

Author Biographies

Daniel González-Montoya, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano

PhD. en Ingeniería Automática, Departamento de Electrónica y Telecomunicaciones, Ingeniero de Control, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín-Colombia

Carlos A. Ramos-Paja, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

PhD. en Ingeniería Electrónica, Automática y Comunicaciones, Ingeniero Electrónico, Departamento de Energía Eléctrica y Automática, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellín, Medellín-Colombia

Bernardo A. Potosí-Guerrero, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Ingeniero de Control, Departamento de Energía Eléctrica y Automática, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín-Colombia

Elkin E. Henao-Bravo, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

MSc. en Ingeniería Eléctrica, Ingeniero Electrónico, Departamento de Mecatrónica y Electromecánica, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellín-Colombia

Andrés Julián Saavedra-Montes, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

PhD. en Ingeniería Eléctrica, Ingeniero Electricista, Departamento de Energía Eléctrica y Automática, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellín, Medellín-Colombia

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How to Cite
[1]
D. González-Montoya, C. A. Ramos-Paja, B. A. Potosí-Guerrero, E. E. Henao-Bravo, and A. J. Saavedra-Montes, “Technical-economic feasibility analysis of micro grids integrating fuel cells in non-interconnected zones in Colombia”, TecnoL., vol. 21, no. 43, pp. 71–89, Sep. 2018.

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Published
2018-09-14
Section
Articles

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