A hybrid power plant with the synchronization controller system for saving electrical energy use (research study at the campus of the State University of Gorontalo)

Abstract

The electrical energy network in the campus of the State University of Gorontalo is supplied by the grid system of the state electricity company. The average electricity used in 2022 was 95,461 kWh, with a monthly payment fee of 83,067,250 IDR. Because the cost of paying for the use of electrical energy is relatively high, the researchers consider it necessary to make efforts to save the use of electrical energy by utilizing renewable energy sources. This study aimed at planning a hybrid energy power plant by combining solar energy and government electricity grid connection with electrical power divider settings using a synchronization controller system. The method of this study was designing hybrid power plants and analyzing investment needs and return on investment (ROI) using the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) model. The results showed that the design of the hybrid power plant with a synchronization control system used at the campus of State University of Gorontalo in Bone Bolango Regency in September 2022 during the sun irradiation at 06.00−18.00 presented that the photovoltaic (PV) system could generate 57.575 kVA electrical power. Or can divert electrical load to the PV system by 55.40%. Electrical energy saved from January to September 2022 was 426,975 kVA with a cost of 614,844,000 IDR or 82% of the previous payment for electricity usage. The investment required for the hybrid power plant’s construction, operation, and maintenance are 10,747,886,800 IDR. The ROI of the power plant can be obtained up to the 13th-year period.