Development and Computational Analysis of a Pump Hydro Storage System for Optimizing Electrical Grid Performance Using HOMER Energy Modelling Tool

Authors

  • Nsikak John Affia * Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
  • Ephraim Okafor Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
  • Isdore Onyema Akwukwaegbu Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
  • Matthew Olubiwe Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

https://doi.org/10.22105/opt.v2i2.76

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to propose a sustainable solution that can provide a reliable power supply to meet the energy demands of higher institutions in Nigeria, through the design and simulation of a pump storage hydroelectric power plant. The unreliable power supply in Nigeria has been a major challenge for most higher institutions, affecting research and productivity. The methodology involved data collection on energy consumption patterns, system design of the pump storage hydro-electric power model, simulation of the system using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software, and optimization of the design to meet the energy demands of the polytechnic. The data collected included peak demand periods and energy consumption patterns for various facilities within the institution. The system design considered the installation of a pump storage hydro-electric power system that can generate and store electricity during off-peak hours for use during peak demand periods. A peak load of 4kW requirement and daily demand of 82kWh/day, with a load factor of 37%, volumetric flow rate of 0.032 m3/s, and reservoir height of 16m were considered for the model designed. The simulation result showed a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $11,757.14, indicating a good future value of the project in present times with a Levelized cost of Energy of $0.0304 (N51/kWh) and an annual maintenance cost of $600. The simulation results from HOMER software indicate that the pump storage hydro-electric power model is a feasible solution for enhancing electricity supply in most Nigerian institutions.

Keywords:

Hydro storage, Hybrid optimization model for electric renewables, Electrical grid, Renewable energy

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Published

2025-03-29

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): OPT

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Affia, N. J., Okafor, E. ., Akwukwaegbu, I. O. ., & Olubiwe, M. . (2025). Development and Computational Analysis of a Pump Hydro Storage System for Optimizing Electrical Grid Performance Using HOMER Energy Modelling Tool. Optimality, 2(2), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.22105/opt.v2i2.76

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