Modeling and Optimization of a Hybrid Solar-Wind Renewable System for Electricity Generation in Fereydunshahr Farms

The agricultural sector, as one of the most energy-intensive sectors, plays a vital role in ensuring food security. With the increasing global demand for energy and intensifying environmental concerns, the need to use renewable resources in this area is felt more than ever. However, high initial costs and production instability have created serious obstacles to the development of these technologies. This study, with the aim of identifying technical and economic solutions for providing sustainable energy in agriculture, examined different scenarios for renewable energy production on a 50-hectare farm located in Fereydunshahr County, Isfahan Province. For this purpose, six scenarios based on the combination of solar and wind energy were designed and simulated and optimized using Homer software. The results showed that Scenario 5, which includes a combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, with the possibility of selling excess energy to the grid and without the use of fossil fuel generators, is the best option, producing 462.99 MWh of energy and a 58% contribution from renewable sources. This scenario is considered the most economically viable option with an energy cost of $0.022 per kWh. This study, emphasizing the need to develop storage infrastructure and improve energy production technologies, shows that the use of renewable hybrid systems can be a fundamental step in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and realizing sustainable agriculture.
Introduction
Energy, a critical pillar of development, plays a key role in the global economy by driving industrial, agricultural, transportation, and other economic sectors. The significant increase in population and economic growth, particularly in developing countries, has resulted in a considerable rise in global energy demand in recent decades. In the agricultural sector, energy consumption has been increasing due to its usage in irrigation and agricultural equipment. This growth in demand coupled with economic development necessitates a close examination of consumption patterns and the formulation of appropriate policies to manage consumption and foster sustainable development in the energy sector. Given the growing significance of utilizing renewable energy in the agricultural sector, the present study investigates the potential of harnessing alternative energy sources on agricultural farms in the Fereydunshahr region of Isfahan province. Currently, energy in agricultural farms in this region is primarily supplied through fossil resources and traditional methods or through the national electricity grid, which leads to dependency on non-renewable energy sources and increased costs. The primary objective of this study is to model and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using renewable energy systems in agricultural farms within the Fereydunshahr region.
Materials and Methods
The present study aimed to investigate and analyze the electricity supply to a 50-hectare farm located in Fereydunshahr County, Isfahan Province, in a cold and mountainous area at an altitude of 2510 meters above sea level. To achieve this, six scenarios were designed and evaluated, taking into account sustainable agricultural production. Scenario 1: Combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, without the possibility of selling excess energy to the grid and using fossil fuel generators. Scenario 2: Combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, with the possibility of selling excess energy to the grid and using fossil fuel generators. Scenario 3: Combination of solar and wind renewable energies, independent of the national grid, designed for operation in areas without access to the electricity grid and using fossil fuel generators. Scenario 4: Combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, without the possibility of selling to the grid and without the use of fossil fuel generators. Scenario 5: Combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, with the possibility of selling excess energy to the grid and without the use of fossil fuel generators. Scenario 6: Using the national grid and fossil fuel generators (diesel fuel) to provide electricity, without the use of renewable energy sources. The technical and economic aspects of these scenarios were assessed using simulation, optimization, and sensitivity analysis in the Homer software. Data related to equipment, initial and operating costs, load patterns, and regional climatic conditions were analyzed to develop a comprehensive assessment of each scenario.
Results and Discussion
Based on the available results, Scenario 1 combines solar, wind, and generator renewables connected to the national grid without the ability to sell excess energy back to the grid. It generates a total of 406,269 kWh of energy, with 31.8% derived from renewables. Scenario 4 is similar to Scenario 1, but it omits the use of fossil fuel generators and the ability to sell excess energy. It produces 462,435 kWh of energy, with a renewable share of 41.8%. The unused energy in this scenario is 134,533 kWh, and the initial cost and energy cost are $263,920 and $0.0502 per kWh, respectively. Scenario 5 represents an ideal balance by combining solar and wind resources connected to the national grid with the ability to sell excess energy to the grid. It generates 462,998 kWh of energy, with a renewable energy share of 58%, resulting in only 5,806 kWh of unused energy. The initial cost is $265,825, and the energy cost is $0.0226 per kWh, making it a cost-efficient and sustainable option when considering the balance between renewable energy generation, cost reduction, and waste reduction. Scenario 6 solely relies on non-renewable sources, including the national grid and fossil fuel generators, which generates 320,606 kWh of energy but contributes no renewable energy. The initial cost is $60,000, and the energy cost is $0.0199 per kWh, the lowest among the scenarios. However, relying entirely on non-renewable resources has significant negative environmental impacts, making this scenario unsustainable from a sustainability perspective. This comparison underscores the benefits of Scenario 5 in terms of sustainable energy supply and cost efficiency. The analysis also underscores the importance of complementary policies, technological efficiency, and environmental factors for the widespread adoption and sustainability of renewable energy systems.
Conclusion
To address the need for sustainable energy sources in farms aimed at increasing food security, this study modeled and optimized various scenarios. Through this process, Scenario 5 was identified as the most optimal option. It is a combination of solar and wind renewable energies, connected to the national grid, and possesses the capability to sell excess energy to the grid while eliminating the use of fossil fuel generators.