Optimal Power System Design for Off-Grid Residences in Dobrogea, Romania: Integrating Renewable Energy and Generator Technology

This research delves into the intricate realm of offgrid electricity supply solutions for residential use in Dobrogea, Romania. A multifaceted approach is employed, considering the integration of photovoltaics (PV), a 1 kW wind turbine, and a 2.6 kW gasoline generator, all coupled with advanced battery storage technology. A rigorous sensitivity analysis is undertaken, placing particular emphasis on the dynamic interplay between wind speed variations and fluctuations in gasoline prices, and their impact on the recommended configuration of the power system. The comprehensive findings underscore the emergence of a hybrid system as the most advantageous solution across an extensive spectrum of sensitivity scenarios. This hybrid configuration strategically combines the attributes of a gasoline generator, battery storage, and the concurrent use of both PV and wind power. The pivotal factor behind this recommendation lies in the discernible economic disadvantages of generator power, elucidated by its comparatively high cost, limited efficiency, and abbreviated lifespan. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis consistently reveals that the optimization software, HOMER, advocates the synergistic integration of both PV and wind power. This substantiates the existence of a complementary relationship between these renewable sources, with wind power peaking in the winter to accommodate heightened energy demands, while PV assumes dominance during the summer months when solar resources are at their zenith. The implications of this study extend beyond the theoretical framework, providing valuable insights into the practical design considerations for off-grid power systems tailored to the unique conditions of Dobrogea, Romania. The recommended hybrid configuration not only promises a harmonious balance between reliability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability but also underscores the imperative of nuanced local considerations and resource dynamics in the strategic planning of off-grid energy solutions.