Stand-Alone Power Systems for Rural Cambodia

Stand-Alone Power Systems for Rural Cambodia

Joseph T. Battle IIIabc a University of Dayton Research Institute, Sensors System Division, Ohio 45402b Central State University, Industrial Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineeringc Minority Analyst Program, UDRI, Ohio 454024/11/2013

Table of ContentsAbstract2Cambodia2Economy2Electricity Laws and Energy Source3Renewable Energy5Solar Power5Advantages6Disadvantages6Wind Power8Advantages9Disadvantages9Hydro Power11Advantages11Disadvantages12Ideal System Placement14Implementation15Conclusion15Bibliography16

Abstract

Cambodia has a population of 14,805,358 in which 22% of households have access to electricity; this creates a high demand for Renewable energy. Cambodias final consumption of electricity in 2012 was (1,639GWh) and from this (742GWh) was from the residential sector. Stand-Alone systems are well suited for remote rural regions where there is no electricity source. This paper is a market analysis of the different renewable energy systems and what would be the better solution, and placement for rural Cambodia.

Cambodia

Cambodia shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the west, and the ocean coast to the Southwest. The official name used by the Royal Government of Cambodia for Cambodia is Preah-reach-ana-chak Kampuchea. The population is 14,805,358 (World Bank, 2009) in which 22% of households have access to electricity.[footnoteRef:1] According to the CIA Factbook the population is expected to be 15,205,539 by July 2013.[footnoteRef:2] Although Cambodia is very rich in natural resources, decades of war have taken a great toll on Cambodia, making it one of the poorest countries. Cambodia's poorest people are isolated. They live in remote villages, far from basic social services and facilities. Many have to travel more than 5 km to reach a health clinic, and still others live more than 5 km from the nearest road. [1: (worldbank)] [2: (CIA.gov)]

Economy

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia and long-term economic development remains a daunting challenge, inhibited by endemic corruption, limited educational opportunities, high income inequality, and poor job prospects.[footnoteRef:3] With an average income of $1.25 per day nearly 4 million people struggle to find ends meet. [3: (CIA.gov)]

Cambodias economy is the 95th freest in the 2013 Economic Freedom index. As trade freedom and labor freedom continue to improve, they have put Cambodia at a 0.9 % higher overall index score.[footnoteRef:4] Out of the 41 countries in the Asian-Pacific region Cambodia is ranked 16th and its overall score is slightly higher than the regional average. The market is continually transitioning to a more market-based system because of its openness to global trade and having competitive corporate tax rates while improving productivity and adding jobs. The maintenance of relatively sound public finance management has contributed to economic stability. Nonetheless, substantial challenges remain, particularly in implementing deeper institutional and systemic reforms that are critical to strengthening the foundations of economic freedom. Property rights and freedom from corruption remain weak and lingering government interference and controls hurt dynamic flows of investment and overall economic efficiency. [4: (Heritage)]

Electricity Laws and Energy Source

By source, oil contributed the largest portion of electricity (1,410 GWh), followed by hydro (46 GWh)[footnoteRef:5]. The country imported 374 GWh of electricity, totaling in 1,835 GWh of domestic supply. The final consumption of electricity was 1,639 GWh, by the residential sector (742 GWh), commercial and public services (553 GWh) and industry (344 GWh). [5: (Reegle)]

Reegle (a unique clean energy information portal) predicts that electricity generation in Cambodia is expected to increase significantly in demand in the years to come:

They stated that the Electricity demand in Cambodia is forecast to grow from 244MW and 946GWh in 2003 to 991MW and 3,478GWh in 2020. The supply requirements of Cambodia are projected to increase in average by 12.1% per year, and the peak load is expected to reach 991 MW in 2020.

Electricity in Cambodia is one of the most expensive in the world. The total production cost for Phnom Penh can reach USD0.18 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Of this, USD0.12 represents the production costs while the remaining represents service costs.[footnoteRef:6] Stand-Alone systems will bring more competitive prices while saving the country billions. Starting with the installation of these systems in rural areas will decrease the amount of money spent connecting houses to the grid, which will allow more this money to be spent in other areas of need. [6: (Reegle)]

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is natural energy which does not have a limited supply.[footnoteRef:7] This energy resource is natural and can be renewed in a short time period. It can come directly from sun, wind, water, and other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment like geothermal and tidal energy. These renewable energy sources do not include energy derived from fossil fuels, waste products from fossil sources, or from inorganic sources.[footnoteRef:8] [7: (CEI)] [8: (treia)]

Solar Power

Solar energy is defined as radiant energy emitted by the sun.[footnoteRef:9] Solar Photovoltaic Systems are the typical solar stand-alone system. The key components to these systems consist of: Solar (PV) Panels, Batteries, and an Inverter. As the sun beams down to the earth, each solar panel takes the sun and converts it into electricity as a Direct Current (DC). This current is then sent to an inverter where is converted to Alternating Current (AC). From there, these currents can be sent to any household appliances. Batteries are used to provide power at night or other times when power is not being produced; they can be expensive and require regular maintenance. Also they have a shorter life expectancy than most of the solar system components, which means the upfront cost of the battery also will include the cost over time, due to the batteries being replaced. [9: (Free Dictionary)]

Currently, Cambodia does not utilize much solar power. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization used a 10-year annual average solar irradiation of 5.0 kWh/m2/day, based on readings of 4.7 kWh/m2/day average in the lowest area and 5.3 kWh/m2/day in the highest area.[footnoteRef:10] Reegle stated that solar PV systems in Cambodia currently produce 200-250 kWh. The East Side of Cambodia has the most solar radiation over a year timespan, which makes it the best place to install solar PV systems. [10: (Reegle)]

Advantages

Solar energy is renewable and will be here as long as the sun is shining on Earth.

Solar energy is clean and doesnt use fossil fuels to convert electricity.

Solar energy can provide electricity even in homes located in remote places or those off the grid.

Almost completely maintenance free due to no moving parts.

Disadvantages

Solar energy can provide maximum energy during the day.

Solar farms require a vast area in order for the installation of the right number of solar panels that will meet the needs of consumers.

Expensive cost of solar panels.

Stand-Alone Solar Systems Suitable for Cambodia

Previously stated it cost USD0.12 to produce electricity on the grid plus USD0.06 per kWh and the residential areas used 742 GWh which is 742,000,000 kWh. That means that there was USD133,560,000 total spent for residential areas in a year.

= Production Cost (USD kWh)

= Electricity Cost (USD kWh)

TP = Total Production Cost (USD kWh)

YU = Yearly Usage (USD kWh)

TC = Total Cost (per year)

Stand-Alone solar systems are an investment that will pay off over time. Solar systems can be built to match the amount of power needed for any household. Typically a 1 kW system will be capable of running most residential areas and supply real value.

Commercial Solar Power Systems

Specifications

System 1CABIN KIT SP1000[footnoteRef:11] [11: (BellingenSolar)]

Provides energy for...

Includes

Price

Laptop240V TV (small)24V LED LightingSmall 24V fridge

2 x 200 Watt solar panels Aluminium for panel mounting24V 120 A/hr gel battery set20 Amp solar regulator1000W pure sine wave inverter (1200W surge)20 Amp battery chargerDC control & AC switchboard

$3,900

Loads: 850 Whrs per day

Self Install Package

SETTLERS COTTAGE SP2000

Provides energy for...

Includes

Price

Laptop240V TV (medium)240V LED LightingMedium Efficient Fridge Pressure Pump

4 x 200 Watt solar panelsAluminum for panel mounting 48V 120 A/hr battery set20 Amp solar regulator2000W pure sine wave inverter (2400W Surge)20 Amp battery chargerDC control & AC switchboard

Self-contained unit with a lockable battery cupboard

$6,790

Loads: 1700 Whrs per day

Self-Install Package

Wind Power

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships.[footnoteRef:12] [12: (EEM)]

Wind is created because there is an unequal heating of the Earths surface by the sun.[footnoteRef:13] Wind turbines take kinetic energy (KE) produced by wind and converts it into clean electricity. Every time that the wind spins the wind turbines blades, a rotor captures the kinetic energy of the wind and converts it into rotary motion to drive the generator. Most turbines control the rotor from spinning out of control in high winds by putting automatic over speed-governing systems in place.[footnoteRef:14] [13: (Wind Energy)] [14: (Facts)]

Some of the largest wind farms (a farm full of wind turbines) are located in China and the United States. Wind turbines are typically used for water pumping and communications. Small wind systems can be used on the grid or can be used as a stand-alone system making it a great system for rural areas.[footnoteRef:15] These wind turbines can be combined with solar photovoltaic systems for off-grid production of electricity. Some of the maintenance needed includes: Tightening of bolts and electrical appliances as needed, checking for corrosion, checking for and replacing worn edge leading blades, and replacing turbine blade bearings after 10 years.[footnoteRef:16] [15: (EERE)] [16: (Wind Powering America)]

The Wind Energy Resources Atlas Report in South-east Asia that covers Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam shows that the theoretical wind energy resource potential in the country amounts to 1,380 MW. [footnoteRef:17] The report indicates good sites for the future development of wind energy, but the potential values must be taken cautiously, since the simulations to determine them were based on global winds, and were not supported by ground measurements. [17: (Reegle)]

Advantages

Clean energy, no fuel to drill, frack, mine, transport or burn

Renewable and sustainable

Costs are relatively low and continue to decrease

Abundant domestic supply (16X current electric demand!)

The power is essentially free once the infrastructure is paid for.

Low life cycle carbon footprint. Breakeven in eight months.

Can be used almost anywhere.

Disadvantages

wind is inconsistent, unsteady and unpredictable

Wind power is not cheap and like many energy sources, rely on government subsidies to remain competitive.

Wind farms are generally located in rural areas that might be otherwise picturesque. They are considered by some people to be an eyesore.

Some people complain of noise from the turbines.

Wildlife impact. Not only birds, but bats have experienced fatalities.

Localized impact on night-time temperatures and weather

Winds in Cambodia tend to have very inconsistent patterns.[footnoteRef:18] With the inconsistency it is said that hybrid systems (Solar PV + Wind Turbines, etc) would be ideal. High winds typically come off of mass bodies of water, making the southwest border a good place for wind turbines. [18: (Un)]

Commercial Wind Power Systems

Specifications

Below are two Stand-Alone Wind turbines that are cost efficient and put out enough energy for a cabin/house in rural areas

Voltage

24.0

Power Output (Kilowatts)

0.6

Annual Energy Output

Off-grid turbine - designed for battery charging

Sound Level (Decibels)

0.0

Number of Blades

3.0

Rotor Diameter (Feet)

4.3

Pole Mounted

Yes

Tower Mounted

Yes

Structure Mounted

No

Maximum Design Wind Speed (MPH)

156.0

Price: $1,664.22

Model:

HY-3000L

Region:

Guangzhou Guangdong

Brief Description:

1.Low wind startup 2.High Efficiency 3.Minimal vibration & low noise 4.CE,ETL,Rohs 5.3KW mini windmill generator 3000w

Green energy:

wind energy

Hydro Power

Hydro Power is defined as energy harnessed from running or falling water used for productive purposes.[footnoteRef:19] Hydro power can date back to ancient times, where people would use it for mechanical purposes like watermills, sawmills, power houses and domestic lifts. Another method used to transmit energy is the use a trompe, which produces compressed air from falling water. Compressed air could then be piped to power other machinery at a distance from the waterfall. Micro hydropower systems are small hydroelectric power systems of less than 100 kW used to produce mechanical energy or electricity for farms, ranches, homes, and villages.[footnoteRef:20] This would not benefit the rural areas of Cambodia for stand-alone systems due to the extensive amount of work to getting a power house built and each canal from different water sources. A possible idea is utilizing a wind turbine farm to pump water and distribute the water to the various powerhouses used in rural areas. [19: (Green House)] [20: (EERE)]

The technical potential of hydropower resources in Cambodia in terms of installed capacity is estimated at 10,000 MW. Around 50% of these resources are located in the Mekong River Basin, 40% on tributaries of the Mekong River, and the remaining 10% in the south-western coastal areas. Current use of hydropower resources is, however, relatively limited, and the current contribution to electricity production is less than 20 MW. Previous studies have identified 42 potential hydropower projects, with a total installed capacity of 1,825 MW, being capable of generating around 9,000 GWh/year of electricity.[footnoteRef:21] [21: (Reegle)]

Advantages

Hydro energy is free. You do not need to buy the water from rivers in order to use it to produce energy.

It is renewable. Whenever you use the water to produce electricity, it would be replenished by rainfall. This cycle goes on and on, making this source of energy renewable.

The moment that a dam is built, you could expect an abundant production of electricity, especially in areas where the river has a large water reservoir.

Dams are meant to last for a very long time. By building a dam, you are actually ensuring electricity production to last for years, up to the next generations.

Hydro energy production does not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It is a clean form of energy that everybody could enjoy.

One advantage with a dam is that if electricity is not needed, you could just halt the production of electricity and save the water in the reservoir.

Disadvantages

Cost. As with other types of renewable energy, the initial cost of the construction of the power plant is expensive, and dams are no exception.

Must be built with the highest standards. Dams should be built with precision, accuracy and with the right materials.

During drought or dry seasons, the water levels in the reservoir may decrease, which would affect electricity production.

Hydro power would be most beneficial along the southwestern region of Cambodia, closest to the Gulf of Thailand. Also Cambodia has five rivers in which different hydro systems could be developed on.

Commercial Hydro Systems

Below are two systems that are cost efficient that will produce enough energy to power cabins/houses in the rural areas of Cambodia.

2KW System:

2KW HIP Turbine

Inverter PVP2000

Resistor Box 2KW

High Voltage Regulator

TOTAL COST: $6.000

4KW System:

4KW HIP Turbine

Inverter PVP4800

Resistor Box 4KW

High Voltage Regulator

TOTAL COST: $8.000

Ideal System Placement

This figure is used to display where the stand-alone power systems will be the most effective. The more condense areas of symbols on the map are the areas that each power system will be the most effective. As the symbols begin to spread out, the systems become less effective. Wind turbines provide are more sturdy and persistent in higher altitudes; therefore they are located in elevated regions. Stand-alone hydro systems would be the most beneficial near bodies of water, which would keep a digging expense down. Though Cambodia currently doesnt use many Solar systems, they would be the most effective in the southeast region. When cross-referencing the map, the areas that include multiple systems would be substantially effect with hybrid systems.

Implementation

Reviewing these systems and some of the best placement options has led to an implementation process. Alongside observing the nature of the environment, looking at the economy is a major factor to installing the right system. Hydro systems are currently used the most in Cambodia, giving it the advantage with the implementation of these systems.

Using hydro systems limits Cambodians to living close to bodies of water or spending the money digging wells. Starting the implementation of solar PV systems will give those that are inland the opportunity of accessing this power of the grid and independently. To start, many of the houses/facilities wont need much power to cover the lighting of the buildings, which cuts the cost down by using the smaller solar PV kits. Starting with the Eastern region of Cambodia these systems could be installed and moved towards the western region over time. As the systems begin to migrate across the country they will begin to be hybrid systems, once they get to the western region of Cambodia the systems will mainly consist of Wind turbines and Hydro Systems. These systems can also be converted to hybrid systems or stand alone.

Conclusion

As the economy in Cambodia continues to grow, the investment of a stand-alone power system would benefit rural Cambodia in the long run. Taking houses in the rural areas, that are not connected to the grid, and supplying them with Solar Photovoltaic stand-alone systems would enable these areas to flourish with the evolving economy at a low cost over a period of time. Solar PV panels rarely need to be maintained making the maintenance cost very efficient. Houses located closer to water could utilize hybrid systems which could include solar PV, wind, and hydro power. All of the systems are an investment that would pay off with time.

Bibliography(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cambodia(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/energy_definitions/definition_of_renewable_energy.htmlBellingenSolar. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.bellingensolar.com.auCIA.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cb.htmlEEM. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.eem08.com/wind-powerEERE. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_energy/wind.htmlFacts. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/world.php?itemid=2408&catid=51&subcatid=326Free Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/solar+energyGreen House. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.greenhorizon-online.com/index.php/Insight/Heritage. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/index/country/cambodiaReegle. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.reegle.info/policy-and-regulatory-overviews/KHtreia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.treia.org/renewable-energy-definedUn. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/cambodia/energy.pdfWind Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.windenergyfoundation.org/about-wind-energy/how-wind-worksWind Powering America. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/pdfs/small_wind/small_wind_guide.pdf

Series 1OilHydroImportedTotal Domestic Supply1410463741835

Stand

-

Alone

Power Systems for Rural

Cambodia

Joseph T. Battle III

ab

c

a

University of Dayton Research Institute, Sensors System Division, Ohio 45402

b

Central State University, Industrial Technology, Department of Manufacturing

Engineering

c

Minority Analyst Program, UDRI, Ohio 45402

4/11/2013

Stand-Alone Power Systems for Rural

Cambodia

Joseph T. Battle III

abc

a

University of Dayton Research Institute, Sensors System Division, Ohio 45402

b

Central State University, Industrial Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineering

c

Minority Analyst Program, UDRI, Ohio 45402

4/11/2013