Complementary Optimization of Hydropower with Pumped Hydro Storage–Photovoltaic Plant for All-Day Peak Electricity Demand in Malawi

Evance Chaima, Jijian Lian, Chao Ma, Yusheng Zhang and Sheila Kavwenje
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Evance Chaima: State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
Jijian Lian: State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
Chao Ma: State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
Yusheng Zhang: State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
Sheila Kavwenje: School of Environmental Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-26

Abstract: Solar energy is currently dispatched ahead of other renewable energy sources. For the first time, this study presents a concept of exploiting temporary–periodical runoff discharge in the Shire River. Pumped hydro storage–photovoltaic plant (PHS–PV) was optimized to satisfy the all-day peak electricity demand in Malawi. The effect of varying the net head on the PHS system in both the generation and pumping operation modes was investigated. The bi-objective optimization evaluated the system reliability for day-time and night-time operation together with implied costs of investment for the whole system. The optimized system generated above 53% of added power as contrasted to single-source power generation from the existing hydropower plants. The estimated optimal capacities were 182 MWp (solar PV) and 86 MW (PHS plant). These additional optimal capacities achieved a 99.8% maximum system reliability (Loss of Power Supply Probability—LPSP—of 0.2%) and Levelized Cost of Energy—LCOE—of 0.13 USD/kWh. The overall investment cost of the PHS–PV system was estimated at 671.23 USD for an LPSP of 0.20%. The net head varies from 15.5 to 17.8 m with an impact on electricity generation of the PHS–PV system. More notably, the PHS–PV production matches with daily day-time and night-time peak loads and functions as a peaking plant.

Keywords: optimization; renewable energy generation; photovoltaic; pumped hydro storage; peak electricity demand; load satisfaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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