A Low-cost Renewable Energy Solution for Improved Energy Access in Nigeria

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 09 Issue: 08 | Aug 2022 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

A Low-cost Renewable Energy Solution for Improved Energy Access in Nigeria

1 Department of Computer Science, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

2Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

3Department of Computer Science, Cross River State University of Technology, Calabar, Cross-River State, Nigeria. ***

Abstract - Inadequate access to constant electricity supply has become one of the key attributes of Nigeria. Power outage is no longer a new issue in Nigeria. Emphatically, more than eighty million Nigerians do not have access to constant electricity. The electricity grid in Nigeria has been characterized by constant collapse. In this paper anattempt is made to present a low-cost solar powered energy source for households in Nigeria. The focus of this study is Afikpo, a town in Ebonyi state south-east of Nigeria. Inhabitants of this town have never enjoyed power from the nationalgridfor quit some years now. To this effect, residents are resorting to alternative means of power. The planning, analysis, design and implementation stages of the solar powered inverter system are presented here in. As a result of this study, the residents of Afikpo are currently enjoying constant power with benefits stated in this paper.

1. INTRODUCTION

Inadequate electricity has become one of the major challengesinNigeria[1].Currently,morethaneightymillion Nigeriansdonothaveaccesstoelectricity.Thismeansthat more than 40% of the populace are energy starved. Thus, Nigeriaisthelargestenergydeficientcountryintheworld [2].Sardonically,thegrid-connectedcitizensarenotsureof constant electricity supply. Oftentimes, the grid has been characterizedwithdowntime[3],[4].Nigeriacurrentlyhas thecapacityofgeneratingabout12,522MW.Thispoweris primarilygeneratedfromthehydro(KainjiandJebbahydro power) and thermal plants in the country. But it is most unfortunate that the country can only disseminate about 4,000MW of this power to the whole country which is insufficienttocaterfortheenergyneedsofthepopulacein Nigeria[5].

The federal government have taken several steps to improve the conditionofthepower sectorinNigeria. The have privatized the sector and released huge amount of funds to its revitalization. Several Collaborations with internationalorganizationslikeAfricanDevelopmentBank (AfDB)forfundinghavehappenedandyet,we stillhavea powergridfailure[6].

Currently,thesituationofpowerinthecountryisstillnot satisfactory and this has made many citizens to seek for alternativemeansofpowergeneration.Afikpoasatownin Afikpo – North Local government of Ebonyi state has sufferedepilepticpowersupplyformorethantwelveyear now.Evenwhenothersuburbofthestatehaspowerthatof Afikpoisalwaysa“talebymoonlight”.

Powergeneratingsetspopularlycalled“generators”has remainedacheapalternativetopowerinAfikpo.Generators havetheirsideeffects,andthisisnotthispaperintendsto cover. One of the side effects is the emission of carbon monoxidethataffectouratmosphere.

Solarenergyisoneofthealternativeenergysourcesthat hasbeenthoroughlystudiedasameansoffulfillingsociety's needsafterfossilfuelshavebeendepleted.

Thesedays,Renewableenergyhasnowbeenadvocated as an alternative for power in residential building and offices. To this effect this paper x-rayed the design and implementation of solar energy project for a residential buildinginAfikpometropolis.Finally,completecontentand organizationaleditingbeforeformatting.Pleasetakenoteof the following items when proofreading spelling and grammar:

2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Accordingto[7],theSchoolSolarPanelSystem(SSPS)was designed to improve the supply of electricity to promote teacherprofessionalismintheclassroom,sothattheenergy supplyisavailableeventhoughthereisapoweroutage.[8] demonstratedahybridEnergyNeutralHome(ENH)thatis planned,applied,andevaluatedforcosteffectivenessinboth rural and urban areas of Bangladesh, demonstrating the system's applicability in both areas. In their study, biogas andsolarsystemsareprimarilyusedashybridcleanenergy sourcesforelectricityproduction.

Accordingto[9]describedthedesignandimplementationof anintelligentmicrogridonPulauUbinIslandthatusesahigh percentageofcleanandrenewableenergyresourcestomeet current and future electricity demand. To produce electricity,photovoltaic(PV)andbiodiesel-powereddoubly

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 09 Issue: 08 | Aug 2022 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

fed induction generators were used. The energy storage device was appropriately sized to optimize the usage of greenenergywhilestillextendingthelifeofthebatteries.To maximizeenergygeneration,trackenergydemand,regulate instantaneous power distribution, improve electricity efficiency, and produce fault warnings, smart-grid technologysuchassmartmeters,microgridcontrollers,and remote management systems with SCADA functions was used.

[10]analyzedthepotentialofrenewableenergyinSarawak, EastMalaysia.Thefeasibilityofphotovoltaic(PV),Battery andFuelCell(FC)basedsystemswereinvestigatedforthe loadofavillagelonghousecomprising50familieslocatedin Kapit,Sarawak.Bothsystems,includingFC(PV/Battery/FC) andexcludingFC(PV/Battery)wereanalyzedandcompared withconventionaldieselbasedsystem.Theanalysisfocuses onnetpresentcost(NPC)andcostofenergy(COE).PVand batterywasfoundtohavealongtermadvantage.

Thetransitiontogreen energiesandthesmartgridinthe powersectorhasalreadybegun.Themicrogrid,whichisa smaller power grid with connections to all of the critical infrastructureofalargergrid,isthefirststeptowardsmart grid.[11]detailedpitfallstoavoidinMicrogridtechnology and provided an interdisciplinary approach to design and problemsolvingforsmartmicrogrids.

[12] reviewed variety of projects that was established in various micro-communities, such as small islands and remotesettlements,bothintermsofactualimplementation and assessment studies. Various metrics related to island characterization,energydemand,andpossibletechnological solutionswerealsoconsideredinhiswork.

Blockchain technology was used by [13] to implement a blockchain-basedmicrogridenergymarketthateliminates the need for middlemen. The case study also showed that blockchains are a viable technology for running decentralizedmicrogridelectricitymarkets.

3. METHODOLOGY

The methodology employed the system development life cycle(SDLC)[7][14].Thissystemdevelopmentcomprisesof the planning, Analysis, Design and Implementation. This stages were carefully observed to get the best for optimal performance.

Fig1.Systemdevelopmentlifecycle

3.1 Planning

During this stage, we have to put into consideration, the amount of energy we need to generate. At this stage we observedthattheresidentsofAfikpodon’thaveelectricity entirely.Thismadeustoadjustinthematerialstobeused. The renewal energy was not an alternative but the only means of energyto this building. Thisledus into the next stage.

3.2 Analysis

The analysis of this project was done a thorough investigationofthepowerneedoftheresidenceinquestion. The following appliances were used in the residence and theirpowerratingwereputintoconsideration.Theyare

OneHometheatre

Twosatellitereceiver

TwoLEDtelevisionset

OneBlender

Oneboreholepumpingmachine

OnePressingiron

One1HPairconditioner

Onedeepfreezer

Thirteenlightingpoints

Fiveceilingfans

OneMicrowaveoven

3.3 Design

Havingknownthe electricityneedofthe said residence,a conceptual design of the whole implementation was conceived.Thedesigntookintoconsiderationthetypesof batterycells,solarpanel (photovoltaiccells),Inverterand placement.

3.4 Implementation

Inverter: Basedontherequirementanalysis,weoptedfora 5.5kva inverter. This inverter was chosen as a careful

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 09 Issue: 08 | Aug 2022 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

considerationoftheloadsitgoingtocarry.Wealsolookedat theoptionofaddingmoreloadinthefuture,sowemadethe allowancebyusingalargerinverterinsteadofthedefector 2.5kvaor3.5kva.

Solar Panel: Solarenergycanbetransformeddirectlyinto electricityusingaphotovoltaic(PV)solarcell,whichusesthe photoelectriceffecttoturnsunlightintoelectricity.

Theefficiencyofthephotovoltaicmodule,ontheotherhand, isdependentonthesun'slightstrength,whichisdependent ontheatmosphereandthesolarpanel'sorientation[15].

Photovoltaic modules (4 x 200w monolithic solar panels) wereused.Twowereconnectedinseriesandthenparallel intothechargecontrollers.

Battery: Batteries are used to store electricity provided from renewable energy resources so that it can be used whenrenewableenergyisunavailable,suchaswhensolar powerisunavailableatnight.Thisistoensurepowersupply [16].

The battery used here is a 12v 100Ah battery with a life expectancyof10years.Fourofsuchbatterieswereprocured andwereconnectedinseries2x2togetanoutputof24v 200Ahbatterybank. Fig2:DesignconceptforImplementation

Charge Controller: A charge controller, also known as a chargeregulator,isavoltageand/orcurrentregulatorthat preventsbatteriesfrombeingovercharged.Itcontrolsthe voltage and current going to the battery from the solar panels. As a DC-coupled device, solar charge controllers regulatetheenergyflowing fromthePVarrayandsendit directly to the batteries, which is the most reliable and effectivemethod.

A 60 amps MPPT charge controller was used for the implementation of this project. The choice was that the charge controller always keep the battery on fill voltage condition, 2. Prevent the battery from over-charging and over-discharging. It also prevent the battery from reverse charging to solar panels during nights. When the battery voltageislow,thecontrollerwill automaticallycutoffthe load from the system. If the voltage of battery is back to normalandtheloadwillrestartworking.

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The components were connected to produce the desired solarhome.Residencehavebeenpoweredbythissystemfor sixmonthnowandtherehasbeenuninterruptedpowerin the building. Fig. 3 shows an array of photovoltaic panels whileFig.4showsthebatteryandinverterset-up.

Manyresidentialhousesareadoptingthissolutionandare enjoyingconstantelectricalpowerforsixmonthsnow.The uninterruptedpowerbeenenjoyedbyresidentshavemade them to dispose their generating sets (generator) which workswithfuel(gasoline).

Residentsalsoconfessedthateversincetheinstallation,they havenotspentmoneyforpurchasingfuel whichisa huge savingstothem.

Furthermore, there has been noise reduction since power generatingsetsmakesalotofnoiseandthecostofconstant repairsfromgeneratorrepairershaveended.

Fig3:ArrayofPVpanels.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 09 Issue: 08 | Aug 2022 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

certainpatternscanbeidentifiedthatcanhelpimprovethe wholesystemforsustainability.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Optional)

TheauthorsgratefullyacknowledgethecontributionsofMrs GloriaOnuora,Mr.HenryO.NveneandMr.ObanlaAnthony fortheirefforttowardsmakingthisprojectareality.

REFERENCES

[1] R.E.OguandG.A.Chukwudebe,“DevelopmentofaCostEffective Electricity Theft Detection and Prevention System based on IoT Technology,” in IEEE 3rd International Conference on Electro- Technology for National Development (NIGERCON) Development, 2 017,pp.756–760.

[2] WorldBank.org“NigeriatoImproveElectricityAccess andServicestoCitizens.”https://www.worldbank.org/ en/news/press-release/2021/02/05/nigeria-toimprove-electricity-access-and-services-to-citizens (accessedMay15,2021).

[3] K.Olatunji,“Poorelectricitysupplyworsensasnational gridcollapsesNigeria TheGuardianNigeriaNews –NigeriaandWorldNews,”May13,2021.

5. CONCLUSIONS

Forasmanythatcanafford thestart-upcomponents,it is highly advisable that they embrace the Solar home. This energysystemiscleanandhasslefree.ResidenceofAfikpo metropolis and other parts of Nigeria by extension are encouragedtoembracethisalternativemeansofgenerating power in residential buildings so that they do not live in blackoutanymore.

Werecommendthatthegovernmentshouldaswellcreate an intervention scheme to help low-income earners also participateintheinstallationofthissolarhomeasitisthe practiceinKorea[17].

Future research that will be geared towards the determination of cheaper ways of providing and implementingrenewableenergytolow-incomecitizens.

Policy formulation: the government should enact policies that will aid the citizens in the middle or low class of this country to implement renewable energy in their homes. Also, Government policies should encourage the rich investors to fund mini renewable energy grids for communities.

More research should be done in writing quality software [18]fortrackingrenewableenergyusageasthiswillhelpin energydatausagegathering.Whenthesedataisanalyzed,

[4] O.Udegbunam,“Nigeria’selectricitygridcollapsesagain |PremiumTimesNigeria,”May12,2021.

[5] Trade.gov. "Nigeria - Electricity and power systems." InternationalTradeAdministration|Trade.gov,14Sept. 2020, [Online]. Accessed on: May 11, 2021. Available: www.trade.gov/ country-commercial- guides/nigeriaelectricity-and-power-systems.

[6] Tdworld.com. "AfDB approves financing to Kainji and Jebba hydro power project in Nigeria." T&D World, 2 Feb. 2017, [Online]. Accessed on: May 10, 2021. Available: www.tdworld.com/renewables/ article/20967515/afdb-approves-financing-to-kainjiand-jebba-hydro-power-project-in-nigeria.

[7] S.D.Riskionoetal."ImplementationoftheSchoolSolar Panel System to Support the Availability of Electricity Supply at Sdn 4 Mesuji Timur." International Journal InformationSystemandComputerScience(IJISCS),vol.5 ,no.1,2021,www.ojs.stmikpringsewu.ac.id/index.php /ijiscs/article/view/960.

[8] C.K.Dasetal."DesignandImplementationofaHybrid Energy Neutral Home System for Bangladesh." InternationalJournalofRenewableEnergyResources, vol.3,2013,pp.66-72.

[9] F. Yang, et al. "Design and Implementation of standalonesmartgridemployingrenewableenergyresources

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Volume: 09 Issue: 08 | Aug 2022 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

on Pulau Ubin Island of Singapore." 2012 Asia-Pacific SymposiumonElectromagneticCompatibility,2012.

[10] H. S. Das et al. "Feasibility analysis of hybrid photovoltaic/battery/fuel cell energy system for an indigenousresidenceinEastMalaysia."Renewableand Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 76, 2017, pp. 13321347.

[11] F. Hassan. Smart Microgrids: Lessons from Campus MicrogridDesignandImplementation.CRCP,2016.

[12] N. Diana, et al. "Design and implementation of hybrid renewable energy systems on micro-communities: A review on case studies." Renewable and Sustainable EnergyReviews,vol.31,2014,pp.935-946.

[13] E. Mengelkamp et al. "Designing microgrid energy markets."AppliedEnergy,vol.210,2018,pp.870-880.

[14] World Bank. "Variable renewable energy integration and planning study." World Bank, Washington, DC. © WorldBank,2020.doi:10.1596/34586.

[15] K. R. Ajao, R. M. Ambali, and M. O. Mahmoud. "Determination of the optimal tilt angle for solar photovoltaic panel in Ilorin, Nigeria." Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review 6, no. 1 (2013),87-90.doi:10.25103/jestr.061.17.

[16] M. Kumar. "Design of Isolated Micro Grid Using Renewable Energy Resources with Energy Storage System via HOMER Software A Case Study of a Thar Community." Sukkur IBA Journal of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (SJCMS) 5, no. 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.30537/sjcms.v5i1.811

[17] L, Joohyun, and M. M. Shepley. "Benefits of solar photovoltaicsystemsforlow-incomefamiliesinsocial housing of Korea: Renewable energy applications as solutions to energy poverty." Journal of Building Engineering 28 (2020), 101016. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101016.

[18] A.C.Onuora,P.Ana,U.N.NwanheleandO.J.Idemudia. “ImprovingSoftwareQualitybyDevelopingRedundant Components.” International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET). Vol 7. 2020, pp 151-155.

BIOGRAPHIES

Onuora,AugustineChidiebereis alecturerwiththeDepartment ofComputerScience, AIFPU.

ChiemezuoC.Njokuisalecturer withthedepartmentofElectrical ElectronicsEngineering TechnologyAIFPU.

AnaPrinceisaLecturerwiththe DepartmentofComputerScience, Cross-RiverStateUniversityof Technology(CRUTECH).