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ARTICLE CRITIQUE WORKSHEET

Article No.: 4
Title: “Feasibility Analysis of the use of Hybrid Solar PV-Wind Power Systems for Grid Integrated Mini-
grids in India”
Author/s: Cristina Mata Yandiola
Main Research Question/s or Objectives of the Study:

 To assess the viability of hybrid wind and solar PV systems in rural India's Grid Integrated Mini grids
with Storage (GIMS)
 Seeks to compare the costs associated with different GIMS systems
 To evaluate the potential savings achieved by selling surplus power to the grid
 To analyze the impact of capacity shortage on system costs
 To employ the HOMER software for analysis of the data
 To examine three case studies particularly in the villages in Karnataka, India
 To recommend valuable insights into the techno-economic feasibility of GIMS systems as a solution to
rural electricity supply challenges

Methods:

This study conducted research on the feasibility of Grid Integrated Mini grids with Storage (GIMS) systems
in rural villages in Karnataka, India. Three villages, namely Harobelavadi, Doddasiddavvanahalli (DS
Halli), and Amasebail, were selected as case studies. These villages represented different electricity demand
levels, electricity tariff rates, and meteorological conditions, providing diverse scenarios for assessing the
suitability of GIMS systems for rural electrification.

The research methodology involved three main aspects:

1. Feasibility Analysis: The study conducted a techno-economic analysis to determine the viability of
hybrid solar PV-wind systems. By varying the proportions of solar PV, wind power, and storage, the
GIMS design was optimized. The technical performance and economic feasibility of both hybrid and
exclusively solar GIMS systems were compared to identify potential cost savings achieved by
integrating wind power.
2. Grid Sales Analysis: The research investigated the potential savings generated by selling excess
power from GIMS systems to the utility grid. This analysis focused on exploring the economic benefits
associated with grid sales within the GIMS framework.
3. Cost of Power Supply Reliability: The study assessed the cost of power supply reliability by
calculating the Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) under different
capacity shortage conditions. Simulations were conducted for hybrid and exclusively solar GIMS
systems, considering capacity shortages ranging from 0 to 5%. The correlation between capacity
shortage and NPC was analyzed using the "CORREL" function in Microsoft Excel.

The research utilized simulation and optimization techniques, employing tools such as the HOMER software
for the techno-economic analysis of GIMS systems. The research design used in this study can be classified
as an analytical and exploratory research design as it aimed to assess the feasibility of Grid Integrated Mini-
grids with Storage (GIMS) systems in rural villages in Karnataka, India. It employed various analytical
techniques and simulations to analyze the techno-economic aspects of GIMS systems and evaluate their
suitability for rural electrification.
Results:

The main findings of this study on the techno-economic feasibility of Grid Integrated Mini-grids with Storage
(GIMS) in rural India are as follows:

 The study analyzed the feasibility of using hybrid wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in GIMS.
By comparing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Net Present Cost (NPC) of solar PV and
hybrid PV/wind GIMS systems, it was found that the use of hybrid systems could generate savings of
up to 17% of the LCOE of the GIMS system compared to solar mini-grids. This suggests that the
combination of wind and solar power can be more cost-effective and efficient in providing reliable
power supply in rural areas.

 The study quantified the potential savings that GIMS can offer through the possibility of selling power
to the grid. By comparing the LCOE and NPC of the system with and without grid export, it was
observed that power sales to the grid enabled LCOE savings of up to 35% compared to mini-grids
without the power sell-back option. This indicates that integrating GIMS with the national grid
facilities can lead to significant cost savings and economic benefits.

 The study considered the cost of reliability of the power supply by examining the influence of the
allowed percentage of capacity shortage on the total cost of the system. It was found that by enabling
up to a 5% capacity shortage in the system, the LCOE could be reduced by 28% to 40% in all cases.
This suggests that allowing a certain level of capacity shortage can help lower the overall cost of the
GIMS system while still maintaining an acceptable level of reliability.

Generally, these findings indicate that Grid Integrated Mini-grids with Storage (GIMS) can provide reliable
power supply at an affordable price in rural India. The use of hybrid wind and solar PV systems, along with
the opportunity to sell excess power to the grid, can significantly reduce costs compared to standalone solar
mini-grids. Additionally, allowing a certain level of capacity shortage can further enhance cost savings
without compromising the reliability of the power supply.

Discussion:

The conclusion of the study is that Grid Integrated Mini grids with Storage (GIMS) systems have the
potential to provide cost savings and improve power reliability in rural villages in Karnataka, India. The
research analyzed three aspects of GIMS feasibility: the influence of using hybrid wind and solar PV systems,
the potential savings from selling power to the grid, and the cost of power supply reliability. The study found
that incorporating hybrid PV-wind power generation units in GIMS systems could result in cost savings of up
to 17%. However, these savings were more significant in villages with mostly residential electricity demand
and peak loads occurring in the evening when electricity production is minimal. GIMS systems showed lower
savings in cases with commercial loads and peak demand during the day. The analysis also revealed that
allowing a small capacity shortage in GIMS systems could lead to significant cost reductions. Allowing a 1%
capacity shortage resulted in savings of about 20% of the net present cost, while a 5% capacity shortage
could decrease the price of GIMS systems by 28% to 40%.

It was recommended that future research should focus on analyzing the feasibility of GIMS systems in
localities with similar wind resource conditions as Amasebail but with predominantly residential load
profiles. Furthermore, the decision on the level of capacity shortage allowed in a GIMS system should
consider the specific needs of the community, balancing power reliability requirements and cost savings.

Electrical engineers can leverage the findings of the study to contribute to the field by designing and
optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems, developing advanced control strategies, selecting appropriate
storage technologies, ensuring seamless grid interaction, and assessing system performance. Their expertise
in system design, control, and optimization plays a crucial role in implementing hybrid renewable power
energy as a backup surplus for commercial applications.

Critique:

 Strengths of the article include the case study approach, techno-economic analysis, grid sales
analysis, and cost of power supply reliability analysis. The case study approach provides diverse
scenarios for assessing GIMS systems' suitability. The techno-economic analysis compares hybrid PV-
wind systems with exclusively solar systems, identifying potential cost savings of up to 17% with
hybrid systems. The grid sales analysis highlights the economic benefits of selling excess power to the
grid within the GIMS framework. The cost of power supply reliability analysis examines the impact of
capacity shortage on the overall cost of GIMS systems, finding significant cost savings with a 5%
capacity shortage.

 Weaknesses and gaps in the research design include the limited scope of case studies, simplified
correlation analysis, lack of sensitivity analysis, limited consideration of social factors, and lack of
comparative analysis. A larger number of case studies would enhance the study's robustness. A more
sophisticated statistical analysis and sensitivity analysis would provide deeper insights.
Consideration of social factors and a comparative analysis with alternative solutions would provide a
more holistic understanding.

In conclusion, while the article contributes valuable insights into the feasibility of GIMS systems in rural
India, there is room for improvement in the research design to enhance its robustness and applicability.
Addressing the weaknesses and gaps would strengthen the study's findings and provide a more comprehensive
understanding of GIMS system feasibility.