Design and Comparative Feasibility Analysis of Optimized Hybrid Energy System for a Remote Island

Saint Martin's is a territory, detached from the main land, with an area of 36 km² and surrounded by the Bay of Bengal. Providing electricity to the mass people living in such a remote offshore area is of prime importance because the development of various sectors and that of quality of life of the people depend significantly on the availability of electricity. It is not feasible to supply electricity to this island by conventional grid system. An off-grid hybrid energy system is an appropriate substitute to provide electricity to such areas. In this paper, a solar photovoltaics-wind turbine-based, and a solar photovoltaics-wind turbine-diesel generator-based hybrid system, is modeled and compared with each other to implement in Saint Martin's island. Moreover, a field survey was conducted to gather statistics regarding load demand, population as well as socio-economic condition of the people of the island. The analyzing tool used for modeling is HOMER. It (HOMER) simulated several hybrid configurations. The arrangements were analyzed keeping in mind about Cost of Energy (COE) as well as Operational Cost. Best possible option is selected after examining all factors.