Reliable and Economic Isolated Renewable Hybrid Power System with Pumped Hydropower Storage

Isolated renewable energy sources (RESs) could be competitive as a reliable and robust electrical energy supply for remote and rural territories. An efficient energy storage system is required to guarantee the continuity of the supply from isolated RESs. This article advises reliable and robust off-line hybrid RESs with pumped hydro storage (PHS) to satisfy the electrical energy needs of a coastal city in Egypt, Hurghada (33°48'E, 27°15'N). The sizing procedure of the PHS-integrated hybrid Wind/Strilling dish system is investigated via using System Advisory Model (SAM) software. The minimal value of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is used to determine the proposed system optimal configuration. Data of solar irradiance components, temperature, wind speed, direction, and load are inputs for the sizing procedure. The results demonstrate that combining RESs and PHS is beneficial and trustworthy for offering sustainable electricity to metropolitan areas with suitable topographical features.

I. Introduction

Renewable energy sources have gained worldwide recognition in recent years as a solution to the concerns posed by using finite fossil fuels due to their environmental compatibility. They are green, have a lower carbon impact, and are often sustainable. Egypt has a diverse range of energy sources and is endowed with renewable resources like solar, wind, and biomass. According to the integrated sustainable energy strategy (ISES) 2035 [1], Renewable energy sources ought to provide around 20% and 42% of total power capacity in Egypt by 2022 and 2035, respectively [1]. Egypt has high levels of solar energy. Around 60% of Egypt's total area has a solar intensity of about 6.4 kWh/m2 per day, with more than 4,000 hours of sunlight each year [2], [3]. This gives it significant potential for generating electricity from photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP). Egypt has substantial wind power resources, with wind speeds ranging from 8 to 10 m/s at 100 metres above sea level [1], [2]. The Egyptian energy sector is planned to produce 61 GW from various renewable energy sources, including 31 GW of solar energy, 12 GW of concentrated solar energy, and 18 GWof wind energy, according to its 2030 vision [1].