Hybrid Power Systems To Provide Uninterrupted Power Supply At The Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

The integration of renewables such as solar and wind energy is becoming increasing attractive and is being widely used in substitution to fossil fuel-produced energy which also leads to great reduction in atmospheric degradation. Literature shows that commercial/residential buildings in Nigeria consume an estimated 55 – 65% of the total electric energy generated. In the present study, hourly mean wind-speed and solar radiation data for the period 2005 – 2016 recorded at the meteorological monitoring station, Minna (26o 32’ N, 50o 13’ E), Nigeria, were analyzed to investigate/examine the potential of utilizing hybrid (wind + solar) energy conversion systems and grid back-up to meet the load requirements of the Gidan-Kwanu campus of the University (with daily electrical energy demand currently at 8,450.5 kWh/day). The monthly average wind speeds for Minna range 4.1 to 6.4 m/s and the monthly average daily values of solar radiation for Minna ranges from 3.6 kWh/sq.m to 7.96 kWh/sq.m. The hybrid system considered in the present analysis consist of different combinations of commercial 10 kW Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS), Photovoltaic (PV) panels supplemented with battery storage unit and National grid back-up. The study shows that with thirty 10 kW WECS together with 150 sq.m PV, and three days of battery storage, the grid back-up system has to provide 17% of load demand. However, in the absence of battery storage, about 38% of the load needs to be provided for by the grid system