Hybrid Energy System Development for Natuashish

Embracing renewable energy signifies a pivotal shift towards devising persistent and eco-conscious energy solutions, crucial for crafting a sustainable and lasting energy landscape. Located in the rugged coastal landscapes of northern Canada, Natuashish, an isolated Inuit community in Newfoundland and Labrador, relies on diesel generators for electricity due to geographical remoteness and the significant logistical and financial barriers to connecting with the provincial power grid. This study addresses the critical need for sustainable and coherent energy solutions in Natuashish, by proposing a robust hybrid renewable energy system for the island. By harnessing sophisticated analytical software like HOMER Pro, this paper endeavors to precisely engineer an energy infrastructure that effortlessly merges green energy alternatives with established sources, maximizing operational effectiveness, steadfastness, and eco-friendliness. The study’s primary goal is to establish a strong hybrid power system in Natuashish that not only satisfies its present energy requirements but also sets the stage for a robust and eco-friendly energy framework for future generations, attempting to substantially decrease dependence on diesel generators, abate environmental repercussions, and foster a cleaner, more renewable energy scenario for the community and its members through leveraging alternative energy resources.

Introduction

Numerous remote communities around the globe rely heavily on conventional power sources, with diesel fuel serving as a primary energy source. Despite its widespread use, diesel generators are known to release various pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), contributing significantly to air pollution emissions. The sustainability of diesel as an energy source has been extensively challenged, highlighting the urgent need for alternative, cleaner energy solutions. This is particularly relevant for remote communities that continue to depend on diesel for their energy needs. In light of these considerations, our study has chosen Natuashish a remote Inuit community as the focal point for in-depth analysis and investigation.

Natuashish is an isolated Inuit settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, known for its amazing natural beauty and significant cultural heritage, and it is situated within the untamed coastal landscapes of northern Canada. Natuashish, approximately 4265.486 hectares in area, is situated around 295 km to the north of Happy Valley/Goose Bay, and roughly 15 km to the west of Davis Inlet, positioned along the mainland coastline of Labrador [1]. According to [2], Natuashish’s current population stands at 856, showing a decrease from its 2016 figure of 938. Natuashish serves as the residence for the Mushuau Innu First Nation, established in 2002 as Little Sango Pond. This planned community was designed to address the social challenges faced by its predecessor, Davis Inlet. By 2003, it gained recognition as a federal Indian reserve.

In Canada, the Indigenous population includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, with the Innu of the First Nations being a notably large group. Approximately 18,000 Innu reside across eleven communities in Quebec and Labrador, particularly in Natuashish and Sheshatshiu, emphasizing the diversity within Indigenous communities [3]. In the 1920s, the Mushuau Innu initially visited Davis Inlet in summer due to low caribou numbers, but dissatisfaction with the relocation’s distance from hunting areas led them to return. After joining the Confederation, Canada provided the Innu with substandard housing, affecting their nomadic lifestyle and worsening social problems. Attempts in the 1960s to settle in a new location further alienated them from their traditions. Challenges from hydroelectric projects and military exercises, alongside no road access necessitating reliance on air travel, complicated their adjustment to swift changes in their environment and society.

In this study, we have used sustainable energy resources such as solar and wind power to satisfy the energy needs of Natuashish. Leveraging the capabilities of HOMER Pro, a specialized software tool, we have devised the configuration of a hybrid power system. Within this schematic, battery storage solutions have been incorporated to ensure a consistent power supply, particularly during bad weather conditions when the reliability of wind or solar sources may be compromised.

Literature Review

The key answer to the growing needs of a worldwide population for affordable and accessible electricity, simultaneously decreasing dependency on fossil fuels is Renewable energy. Renewable energy can be incorporated into electrical systems or merged with other energy sources to reduce the emissions of hazardous gasses from fossil fuels. Utilizing a combination of energy sources, hybrid or combined energy systems is projected to increase the system’s overall reliability and enhance power delivery efficiency. In addition, it is acknowledged that hybrid power systems offer advantages in terms of cost-effective power generation, reduced pollution and noise, and a more dependable supply of electricity [4]. Scholars from many states have studied the application of renewable energy technologies. Planning, analyzing, and evaluating different hybrid power systems in diverse configurations were the main core focus of most of them, along with the use of solar energy, wind turbines, and batteries.

Reference [5] utilizing Homer Pro, developed a hybrid system for Salemo Island, demonstrating an optimal Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 1,306 IDR/kWh. This was achieved by adding 120 batteries and an extra 200 kWp Solar Power Plant (SPP) capacity to the hybrid electrical system. The study highlights the significant advantages of integrating renewable energy sources in remote areas, showcasing potential improvements in system reliability and cost-effectiveness through strategic hybrid system design. Reference [6] highlights Newfoundland and Labrador’s (NL) potential in sustainable hydrogen production as crucial for global energy security amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis. It emphasizes NL’s strategic advantages and outlines its role in mitigating Europe’s energy issues, suggesting paths for developing NL’s hydrogen economy towards achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing global energy sustainability.

In keeping with its 2050 carbon neutrality targets, Canada’s contribution to resolving the European energy issue through hydrogen exports is thoroughly examined in [7]. It examines the downstream links in the Canadian hydrogen supply chain methodically, assessing the elements, levels of decision-making, and sustainability factors. To considerably contribute to Canada’s environmental goals, the report ends with strategic recommendations for research, policy formulation, and industrial practices to boost the sustainability and effectiveness of hydrogen supply chains.

A thorough case study on the design of a hybrid power system using Homer Pro, for Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, is provided by Kotian and Ghahremanlou research, [8] which highlights the possibilities of combining solar, wind, and diesel energy. This study emphasizes how important renewable energy sources are to improving the sustainability and dependability of electricity infrastructure in remote areas.

A hybrid energy system designed for St. Brendan’s, Newfoundland, is shown in its original design and feasibility analysis in [9]. HOMER was the software used to optimize this system. According to their optimization analysis, the best configuration for St. Brendan’s included the addition of two AOC15/50 wind turbines, based on actual data on wind speed and load submitted on an annual basis. In addition, their study showed that St. Brendan’s energy needs may be effectively met, and diesel fuel consumption significantly decreased by utilizing a hybrid energy system that consists of two wind turbines and a 300 kW diesel generator.

To reduce the costs associated with grid usage, [10] developed a hybrid energy system for the Baluchistan Seashore in 2020. This system efficiently integrates converters with solar and wind power components. The study’s findings demonstrated significant reductions in operating costs, totaling 66,405 million dollars annually, as well as an astounding 64% decrease in polluting gas emissions.

Methodology

To model and create a hybrid energy system, this study used a suite of cutting-edge engineering software. The analysis determined that solar and wind power are the most practical energy sources for producing electricity in the area by using extensive studies from the website of the government of Newfoundland and Labrador and geographic data from Google Maps. HOMER Pro was chosen for its strong integration of renewable energy resource optimization among several software tools that were taken into consideration for creating such hybrid systems in the commercial domain, such as Emex ESG & EHS Software and WatchWire.

HOMER Pro Design

Natuashish does not rely on the grid and is prominently dependent on diesel generators whose data is private. Hence, the load profile was generated by scaling a publicly accessible load profile of a community that was comparable to the northern community while considering the number of dwellings in each group. Because all the pertinent characteristics of the system components and the precise location of the installation in Natuashish have been considered, the expected monthly electricity profile shown in Fig. 1 can thus be considered a suitable estimate. Homer Pro’s job in this situation is to choose the best option while negotiating several constraints, like wind speed and solar radiation, particularly on days when the weather is bad. The optimization results obtained by a thorough evaluation of every feasible option in this parameter space are shown below.

Fig. 1. Monthly electric load profile of Natuashish in Homer Pro.

System Design

HOMER Pro is a comprehensive tool that is well-known for its effectiveness in sizing various energy systems. It is used for the dimensioning and financial analysis of the hybrid energy system. This software stands out for having a large database with a variety of wind turbines and converters, which makes the choosing process easier. Fig. 2 shows a schematic of HOMER Pro that shows how the system’s components are integrated. It shows how wind turbines and diesel generators connect to the AC busbar via a converter to provide a smooth transition from DC to AC power.

Fig. 2. Schematic of the proposed system using HOMER Pro.

Photovoltaic Panels: The load is powered by the electricity produced by the PV panels, with any extra used to charge the batteries in the event of decreased loads. In the simulation, the market price utilized was for the Fronius Symo 20.0-3-M with Generic PV. The lifetime of PV panels is about 25 years. It has a capacity of 1 kW with a capital cost of $3000. Table I shows the details of the HOMER Pro Fronius Symo 20.0-3-M

Table I. HOMER Pro Fronius Symo 20.0-3-M Details

Quantity	Value
Capacity	1 kW
Capital cost	$3000
Replacement cost	$3000
O&M	$10/year
Manufacturer	Fronius

Wind Turbine: Using the HOMER software, WES 30 [250 kW] wind turbine with a 20-year lifespan and a 48-meter hub height is chosen. The details of the WES 30 [250] are shown in Table II. The cost of the wind turbine is $505,000, with an additional $500,000 for replacement and an additional $40,000 annually for upkeep.

Table II. HOMER Pro WES 30 [250 kW] Wind Turbine Details

Quantity	Value
Rated capacity	250 kW
Capital cost	$550,000
Replacement cost	$500,000
O&M	$40,000/year
Manufacturer	Wind energy solutions
Lifetime	20 years
Hub height	48

Diesel Generator: The diesel generators are employed as a contingency measure to generate electricity. The cost of diesel is a significant factor in modeling since it affects the hybrid system’s ideal configuration. For our project, two different generator types are being used: one CAT-910 kV and one CAT-500 kV. The details of these two generators (CAT-910 kV and CAT-500 kV) are given in Tables III and IV respectively.

Table III. HOMER Pro CAT-910 kV Diesel Generator Details

Quantity	Value
Capacity	910 kW
Fuel	Diesel
Fuel curve intercept	19.5 L/hr
Fuel curve slope	0.238 L/hr/kW
Capital cost	$100,000
Replacement cost	$85,000
O&M	$55/op. hour
Fuel price	$1.79/L
Minimum load ratio	25%
Lifetime	90,000 hours

Table IV. HOMER Pro CAT-500 kV Diesel Generator Details

Quantity	Value
Capacity	500 kW
Fuel	Diesel
Fuel curve intercept	11.8 L/hr
Fuel curve slope	0.242 L/hr/kW
Capital cost	$45,000
Replacement cost	$40,000
O&M	$40/op. hour
Fuel price	$1.79/L
Minimum load ratio	25%
Lifetime	90,000 hours

The cost of the CAT-910 kV diesel generator is $100,000 for purchase and $85,000 for replacement, with an additional $55 per operating hour required for maintenance. Ninety thousand hours is the projected lifespan of this diesel generator.

The cost of maintenance for the CAT-500 kV diesel generator was $40 per operating hour, whereas the purchase and replacement costs were $45,000 and $40,000, respectively. It is estimated that this diesel generator will last for approximately 90,000 hours.

Battery: The hybrid system chosen for this configuration was equipped with a Trojan SAGM 12 205 battery with the following characteristic parameters given in Table V: a nominal voltage of 12 V, 219Ah capacity, and an initial SOC of 100%. The battery string size was 66. The number of batteries used in the simulation was between 2 and 18. The purchase price is $600, the replacement price is $500, and the maintenance price is $40/year.

Table V. HOMER Pro Trojan SAGM 12 Details

Quantity	Value
Nominal voltage	12 V
Nominal capacity	2.63 kWh
String size	66
Voltage	792
Maximum capacity	219 Ah
Capital cost	$600
Replacement cost	$500
O&M	$40/year

Converter: Three different kinds of converters are used in the hybrid system: DC–DC, AC–DC, and DC–AC. For our design, the converter utilized was the Eaton2000. Table VI shows the HOMER Pro Eaton2000 details. The converter has a 1 kW power output. It has a 15-year lifespan. The converter costs $6000 to buy, $4500 to replace, and about $100 a year in upkeep.

Table VI. HOMER Pro Eaton2000 Details

Quantity	Value
Capital cost	$6,000
Replacement cost	$4500
O&M	$100/year
Lifetime	15 years

An overview of the HOMER Pro system’s components is provided in Fig. 2. The component combinations have been chosen specifically for the project since their specifications meet its needs. The community’s peak load was projected to be 1099.2 kW, and the D.G set—which consists of two CAT-500 kV and one CAT-910 kV—should be comparable to the system that was in place before. In the event of an emergency, the storage cell parallel string maintains voltage and enough energy to sustain itself.

The percentage of renewable energy would decline, and maintenance procedures would need to depend more heavily on D.G. if higher power systems were used. That is why WES 30 [250 kW] is the wind turbine that was chosen because it is the perfect size for this business and provides excellent redundancy management. Solar power generation was accomplished using a Fronius Symo 20.0-3-M with Generic PV.

HOMER Pro Results

Sizing Results

A comprehensive catalog of feasible system configurations in Homer Pro was simulated, describing the range of components and important performance indicators like operational expenses, Net Present Cost (NPC), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), and initial capital expenditure. We can determine the ideal hybrid system configuration by carefully examining the various component combinations and the related effects that Homer Pro provides. The system architecture selected for this project is shown in Table VII, which illustrates a methodical selection procedure. We can negotiate the complexity of system design with this decision-making tool, concentrating on maximizing sustainability, economic viability, and efficiency. By utilizing Homer Pro’s analytical tools, we make sure that our project satisfies the highest requirements for both energy output and financial feasibility, which is a positive step toward reaching our targets for renewable energy.

Table VII. HOMER Pro Selected System Architecture

Component	Name	Size	Unit
Generator	CAT-910KW-60Hz-PP	910	kW
PV	Fronius symo 20.0-3-M	40.9	kW
PV dedicated converter	Fron20 converter	20.0	kW
Storage	Trojan SAGM 12 205	17	Strings
Wind turbine	WES 30 [250 kW]	4	Ea.
System converter	Eaton power xpert 2000 kW	504	kW
Dispatch strategy	Homer cycle charging

Cost Analysis

Several power plant schematics are simulated using HOMER Pro analysis, and the most optimal power plant configuration is determined in terms of operational costs, net present cost (NPC), gas emissions, and economic comparisons, among other factors. The financial aspects of the energy system are assessed in this report and summarized in Table VIII. Organizations must carefully consider their energy system investments to improve their energy infrastructure while aiming for long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Table VIII. HOMER Pro System Cost Table

NPC ($)	LCOE ($/kWh)	Operating cost ($/yr)	CAPEX ($)
14.6	0.182	654,893	6.12

Net Present Cost (NPC): After accounting for the time value of money, the Net Present Cost (NPC) shows the energy system’s overall lifespan cost, which includes both capital and operational expenses. An NPC of $14,600,000 has been determined for this project. The Net Present Cash (NPC) is a crucial indicator of a project’s overall financial sustainability.

Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE): The average cost of producing electricity throughout a project is measured by the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), which is stated in dollars per kilowatt hour ($/kWh). The energy system’s LCOE in this case is $0.182 per kWh. To assess how competitive, the system’s power generation is when compared to alternative sources, LCOE is essential.

Operating Costs: Maintenance, fuel, labor, and other recurring costs necessary for the system’s continuing operation are all included in the category of operation costs. For the project’s long-term financial stability, sensible cost control is critical. Operating expenses for the energy system come to $654,893 annually.

Capital Expenditures (CAPEX): The initial investments made in building and establishing the energy system are known as capital expenditures or CAPEX. $6,120,000 is the capital expenditure for this project. For the project to be implemented successfully, these funds must be allocated and used effectively.

Fuel Summary

This section presents key quantitative facts about fuel consumption over a given period. The total amount of diesel consumed was 1053 tons, with an average daily consumption rate of 2.89 tons, or roughly 0.120 tons per hour. These numbers offer important insights into trends in fuel consumption. In industries where fuel-dependent machinery and transportation are prevalent, these data can be extremely helpful for various research and operational objectives. Fig. 3 shows the fuel summary of the system in Homer Pro.

Fig. 3. Homer Pro fuel summary.

Electrical Burden

The electrical analysis of the system in Homer Pro is given in Fig. 4. The AC Primary Load accounts for the majority of the annual electricity demand (6,191,414 kWh/y). The fact that neither the DC Primary Load nor the Deferrable Load have any usage recorded highlights how important the AC Primary Load is to the overall amount of electricity used. Table IX shows the consumption summary of the systems. This information is essential for assessing load management and energy efficiency tactics, as well as for spotting chances to make use of extra electricity or fill capacity gaps. It provides a thorough understanding of the patterns of electricity usage, assisting in the making of strategic choices that improve energy sustainability and optimization of excess electricity or addressing capacity shortages.

Fig. 4. Electrical analysis-HOMER Pro.

Table IX. HOMER Pro Consumption Summary

Component	Consumption (kWh/y)	Percent
Ac primary load	6,191,414	100
Dc primary load	0	0
Deferrable load	0	0
Total	6,191,414	100

As shown in Table X, the production of electricity is split up among several components, with the WES 30 [250 kW] making up the majority of 61.6%, the CAT-910kVA-60Hz-PP providing 37.8%, and the Fronius Symo 20.0-3-M contributing 0.609%. These numbers show the production output of each component and how much of the total electricity generated annually—7,036,095 kWh—comes from each one.

Table X. HOMER Pro Production Summary

Component	Consumption (kWh/y)	Percent
Fronius symo 20.0-3-M	42,852	0.609
CAT-910KW-60Hz-PP	2,661,440	37.8
WES 30 [250 kW]	4,331,803	61.6
Total	7,036,095	100

Emissions

Polluting gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which are major contributors to environmental pollution, are released when diesel is used to generate electricity. Using a hybrid system that blends diesel, wind, and solar energy sources is a more ecologically friendly way to generate electricity. Fig. 5 shows the comparison between the base system and the hybrid system’s emissions. It can be depicted from the chart that the hybrid system has reduced pollutant emissions significantly.

Fig. 5. Emission comparison between the base system and the hybrid system.

The hybrid system in question has been meticulously designed to minimize emissions while ensuring efficient energy production. While diesel generators are part of the system, their use is optimized to complement renewable energy sources rather than being the primary power supply. This system’s anticipated annual emissions are calculated at 192 kilograms of CO₂, 0.632 kilograms of carbon monoxide (CO), 0 kilograms of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and 18.2 kilograms of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Although diesel usage contributes to these figures, the integration with solar and wind energy significantly curtails overall emission.

Conclusion

This research has investigated a composite power generation setup integrating solar panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators, alongside battery storage and inverters, to feasibly generate electricity for Natuashish, Newfoundland and Labrador. Our extensive research focuses on creating and evaluating a customized hybrid energy system designed to meet the unique power needs of the isolated Newfoundland and Labrador village known as Natuashish.

Environmentally, the solar-wind-diesel hybrid system represents a significant advancement in reducing atmospheric gas emissions, thus contributing to the mitigation of global warming. The solar panels and wind turbines produce electricity without any direct emissions, harnessing renewable resources to offset the need for diesel fuel. This not only decreases the environmental impact but also enhances the sustainability of the power generation system. Our study aims to lessen Natuashish’s long-standing reliance on diesel generators, driven by the global pressure for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives. We successfully combine conventional power sources with renewable wind energy using state-of-the-art simulation tools such as HOMER Pro, improving system sustainability, dependability, and efficiency. Our research reveals the significant potential to reduce dependence on diesel, signaling the beginning of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the people of Natuashish. Additionally, by highlighting the critical role that renewable energy plays in assisting remote and indigenous populations, this research aligns with global trends toward sustainable energy practices and lays a strong foundation for the community’s advancement toward a greener, more resilient energy infrastructure. This study contributes to the academic discourse on the integration of renewable energy sources and provides useful suggestions for stakeholders, legislators, and indigenous people who want to achieve environmental stewardship and energy independence.