Optimizing an Off-Grid Electrical System in Brochet, Manitoba, Canada

• Main Author: Bhattarai, Prasid Ram
• Other Authors: Thompson, Shirley (Natural Resources Institute), Polyzois, Dimos (Civil Engineering) Neudoerffer, Cynthia (Canadian Foodgrains Bank)
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: HOMER; Off-Grid Community; Optimization; Wind-Diesel Hybrid; Canada; Brochet
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/22111

Brochet is a remote, off-grid community located in Northern Manitoba, Canada. The existing diesel generating system is characterized by high economic and environmental costs. As the existing diesel generators are nearing the end of their operational lifespan, this study uses the HOMER model to determine an optimum electricity system design at Brochet that has high electrical reliability, least cost, and low emissions. Three potential power generation options were considered and evaluated, namely: 1) only diesel, 2) only wind, 3) a mix of both. The wind-diesel hybrid system performed best for all the evaluation criteria. While maintaining high reliability, this hybrid system design resulted in 19 % reduction in electricity cost, and 30 % reduction of CO2 when compared to the existing electricity system at Brochet. Thus, this study concludes that the wind-diesel hybrid system is the optimum electricity system design for Brochet and proposes this system replace the existing system.