Simulation of Photovoltaic Power System for Rural Electrification in Myanmar

In the recent years substantial growth of the demand for electricity took place in Myanmar; energy generation by existing sources (mainly hydropower) is not enough to provide constantly increasing consumption. The problem is most obvious in rural areas (more than 61 percent of the population) where grid extension is not justified economically whereas the cost of electricity produced by autonomous diesel generators is extremely high.

(Research purpose) The purpose of this research is the evaluation of economic and technical feasibility of small off-grid (standalone) photovoltaic (PV only) and hybrid photovoltaic-diesel (PV-diesel) power generation systems providing rural household electricity consumption in Myanmar.

(Materials and methods) Computer simulation using Homer pro simulation software was used. Three different load scenarios were envisaged – low, medium and high (1; 6 and 16 kilowatt-hour per day). Simulation was done for Tha Ngar village tract  with a population of about 3,000 people, which is typical in Myanmar.

(Results and discussion) The results of the simulation reveal that the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for optimal hybrid (PV-diesel) systems lies in the range 0.37-0.51 US$, for PV only systems –  0.46-0.49 US$. It proves their economic feasibility compared to conventional diesel generator systems with LCOE 0.56-1.56 US$ boosted by high fuel prices in remote areas (2-3 times higher than urban price). For the high load scenario hybrid systems are more preferable, for low load (night time lighting only) PV only systems may be more effective.

Conclusions) It can be concluded that implementing solar energy is not only environmentally friendlier but also economically justified approach for providing household electricity demands of rural settlements in Myanmar without constructing expensive grid extensions.

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