Optimizing an off-grid electrical system in Brochet, Manitoba, Canada

Brochet is a remote, off-grid community located in Northern Manitoba, Canada. The existing diesel generating system is characterized by high economic and environmental cost. As the existing diesel generators are nearing 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. Two potential power generation options based on reduced sized diesel generator, and a wind–diesel hybrid system were evaluated and compared against the existing diesel-based electricity system at Brochet. The wind–diesel hybrid system performed best in all three (i.e. electrical, economics, and environmental) evaluation criteria. While maintaining high reliability, this hybrid system design resulted in 30% reduction in cost of electricity produced, and 18% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions 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 to replace the existing system.

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