Stand-Alone Power Systems for Rural Cambodia

Joseph T. Battle IIIabc
aUniversity of Dayton Research Institute, Sensors System Division, Ohio 45402
bCentral State University, Industrial Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineering
cMinority Analyst Program, UDRI, Ohio 45402
4/11/2013 /

Table of Contents

Abstract

Cambodia

Economy

Electricity Laws and Energy Source

Renewable Energy

Solar Power

Advantages

Disadvantages

Wind Power

Advantages

Disadvantages

Hydro Power

Advantages

Disadvantages

Ideal System Placement

Implementation

Conclusion

Bibliography

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. Cambodia’s 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.[1] According to the CIA Factbook the population is expected to be 15,205,539 by July 2013.[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.

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.”[3]With anaverage income of $1.25 per day nearly 4 million people struggle to find ends meet.

Cambodia’s 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.[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.

Electricity Laws and Energy Source

By source, oil contributed the largest portion of electricity (1,410 GWh), followed by hydro (46 GWh)[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).

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.[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.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is natural energy which does not have a limited supply.[7]Thisenergy 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.[8]

Solar Power

Solar energy is defined as radiant energy emitted by the sun.[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.

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.[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.

Advantages

  • Solar energy is renewable and will be here as long as the sun is shining on Earth.
  • Solar energy is clean and doesn’t 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 USD133,560,000total 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 1
CABIN KIT SP1000[11]

Provides energy for... / Includes / Price
Laptop
240V TV (small)
24V LED Lighting
Small 24V fridge / 2 x 200 Watt solar panels Aluminium for panel mounting
24V 120 A/hr gel battery set
20 Amp solar regulator
1000W pure sine wave inverter (1200W surge)
20 Amp battery charger
DC control & AC switchboard / $3,900
Loads: 850 Whrs per day
Self Install Package

SETTLERS COTTAGE SP2000

Provides energy for... / Includes / Price
Laptop
240V TV (medium)
240V LED Lighting
Medium Efficient Fridge Pressure Pump / 4 x 200 Watt solar panels
Aluminum for panel mounting
48V 120 A/hr battery set
20 Amp solar regulator
2000W pure sine wave inverter (2400W Surge)
20 Amp battery charger
DC 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.[12]

Wind is created because there is an unequal heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun.[13] Wind turbines take kinetic energy (KE) produced by wind and converts it into clean electricity. Every time that the wind spins the wind turbine’s 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.[14]

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.[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.[16]

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.[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.

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.[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.

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.[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.[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.

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.[21]

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 doesn’t 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 won’t 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.