Design of Off-Grid Hybrid Energy for Residential Buildings in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Arogbo Community in Ondo State

Abstract

This paper developed an off-grid hybrid energy system for residential buildings in rural areas. The Arogbo community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, was used as case study. Energy Audit of the selected residential buildings was carried out through the administration of structured questionnaires and oral interaction with occupants. Information obtained was used to evaluate the total power estimate and actual consumption over a period of 6 hours per day. The total energy demand for the study area based on the number of appliances used per day was estimated as 4981.684 kW. The energies required for three different categories of accommodation: [three-bedroom (Luxury), three-bedroom (Convenience) and room with parlour living apartment] in the area were estimated as 10.015 kWh, 3.216 kWh, and 1.736 kWh respectively.  Their total photovoltaic (PV) energy system capacities were estimated as 13.53 kWh (16.91 kVA), 4.342 kWh (5 kVA), and 2.344 kWh (2.93 kVA) with power factor of 0.8 respectively.  The PV solar modules for the three-bedroom (luxury), three-bedroom (convenience) and room with parlour living apartment were estimated as (3.38, 1.08 and 0.59) kW with installation areas of (31, 10 and 5.5) m2; and inverter rating of (6, 1 and 1) kVA were selected respectively. The deep cycle batteries selected were (4, 2 and 2) at 12 V of (150, 150 and100) AH. Electricity generator capacities selected were (6, 1 and 1) kVA respectively.