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Small-Scale Hybrid Photovoltaic-Biomass Systems Feasibility Analysis for Higher Education Buildings

Author

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  • David Alfonso-Solar

    (University Institute for Research in Energy Engineering (IUIEE), Technical University of Valencia, Camino de vera s/n, edificio 8E, bloque F, 5º, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Carlos Vargas-Salgado

    (University Institute for Research in Energy Engineering (IUIEE), Technical University of Valencia, Camino de vera s/n, edificio 8E, bloque F, 5º, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Carlos Sánchez-Díaz

    (University Institute for Research in Energy Engineering (IUIEE), Technical University of Valencia, Camino de vera s/n, edificio 8E, bloque F, 5º, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

  • Elías Hurtado-Pérez

    (University Institute for Research in Energy Engineering (IUIEE), Technical University of Valencia, Camino de vera s/n, edificio 8E, bloque F, 5º, 46022 Valencia, Spain)

Abstract

Applications of renewable electricity in cities are mostly limited to photovoltaics, and they need other renewable sources, batteries, and the grid to guarantee reliability. This paper proposes a hybrid system, combining biomass and photovoltaics, to supply electricity to educational buildings. This system is reliable and provides at least 50% of electricity based on renewable sources. Buildings with small (<500 kW) installed power based on renewables, mainly biomass, are usually expensive. Besides, in urban areas, photovoltaic capacity is limited due to roof availability. This paper analyzes different configurations, meeting these constraints to obtain an economically feasible solution based on photovoltaic-biomass modelling of small size hybrid systems. The technology used for biomass energy valorization is a fluidized bed gasification power plant, which has been modelled with real data obtained from experimental tests and previous research projects. Thereby, real costs and electric efficiency are included in the model. The techno-economic feasibility analysis using HOMER software with metered real load curves from an educational building has been modelled. The results of the model show that hybrid renewable systems are very feasible in the scenario of 50% of electricity contribution, however, higher contribution (>70%) implies high electricity costs.

Suggested Citation

  • David Alfonso-Solar & Carlos Vargas-Salgado & Carlos Sánchez-Díaz & Elías Hurtado-Pérez, 2020. "Small-Scale Hybrid Photovoltaic-Biomass Systems Feasibility Analysis for Higher Education Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9300-:d:442252
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    Cited by:

    1. Irene Martínez Reverte & Tomás Gómez-Navarro & Carlos Sánchez-Díaz & Carla Montagud Montalvá, 2022. "Evaluation of Alternatives for Energy Supply from Fuel Cells in Compact Cities in the Mediterranean Climate; Case Study: City of Valencia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-30, June.
    2. Vargas-Salgado, Carlos & Águila-León, Jesús & Alfonso-Solar, David & Malmquist, Anders, 2022. "Simulations and experimental study to compare the behavior of a genset running on gasoline or syngas for small scale power generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    3. Ribó-Pérez, David & Herraiz-Cañete, Ángela & Alfonso-Solar, David & Vargas-Salgado, Carlos & Gómez-Navarro, Tomás, 2021. "Modelling biomass gasifiers in hybrid renewable energy microgrids; a complete procedure for enabling gasifiers simulation in HOMER," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 501-512.

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