Optimizing the 5 KW small hydropower supply in Mada-Gudi community, Nassarawa State, Nigeria

The inadequate power supply in Nigeria necessitates the implementation of other power generation media to augment the shortage and reduce heavy reliance on the National Grid. However, the cumbersome nature of these energy systems design which comprise equipment selection, renewable energy resources data collection, mathematical analysis and technical/ economic analysis is hectic and time consuming; hence, the need for a simplified software like Hybrid Optimization Model for Energy Renewables. This paper presents a review, for optimization, of a small hydropower project installed at Mada-Gudi community, Akwanga Local Government Area, Nassarawa State, Nigeria using the stated software. The paper addresses the feasibility of integrating a photovoltaic system or the grid to the existing small hydropower system. The first configuration simulation was the off-grid hybrid analysis, where the optimum result was the Hydro-Diesel-Battery-Converter configuration, with a net present cost of $19,717. The second configuration simulation was the grid-connected analysis, which obtained the Grid-Hydro configuration as the optimum design with a net present cost of $2,398, and excess electricity that could be sold back to the grid.