Performance Analysis of a Grid-Linked Microgrid System in a University Campus

A grid-linked photovoltaic/fuel cell microgrid optimised for a Nigerian university building is analysed. The objective is to establish the techno-economic and environmental merits of integrating renewable power resources into an erratic electric power grid. The energy-balance method was used for the design. Case study simulations were carried out for an electric load at Ambrose Alli University campus (latitude 6°44.0′N, longitude 6°5.1′E) using 22-year period datasets gathered from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The results show that hybridisation of the photovoltaic generator (340 kW), power converter (80 kW), fuel cell system (22 kW), electrolyser (21 kW), and hydrogen tank (28 kg) can sustainably augment the existing grid-diesel generator system. The potential deployment of this design on university campuses in African cities would represent great strides towards decarbonisation.