2023 10th IEEE International Conference on Power Systems (ICPS)
13-15 December, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Empowering Remote Islands and Unlocking
Sustainable Energy: A Hybrid Off-Grid DC System
Approach
Ellin Ankon Dewan1, Ayon Datta2, Waiz Ibn Sufian3, Tajek Ahmed4, Taskin Jamal5
2023 10th IEEE International Conference on Power Systems (ICPS) | 979-8-3503-1873-9/23/$31.00 ©2023 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICPS60393.2023.10428809
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email- ellinankondewan@gmail.com, ayon2k15@gmail.com, waiz4321@gmail.com, tajek086@gmail.com,
taskinjamal@gmail.com
Abstract—The interconnectedness of energy consumption
and human progress is evident, but environmental challenges
stemming from global energy production persist. Remote
islands rely heavily on fossil fuel imports for power, yet green
energy and decarbonization advances offer solutions.
Overcoming nature's unpredictability and weather dependence
through the precise integration of renewables and converters is
crucial. This study proposes a hybrid off-grid DC System for a
remote site called 'Fuerteventura' in Spain, incorporating PV
panels, wind turbines, converters, batteries, and diesel
generators, addressing both electric and thermal loads.
Simulation outcomes reveal its adaptability to the site climates,
potentially elevating renewable use and curbing CO2 emissions
to achieve sustainable energy.
Keywords—Renewable Energy, HRES, CHP, Off-Grid
System.
I. INTRODUCTION
Global energy demand is rising, driven by the constant
addition of new loads. This necessitates increased energy
production. Various energy sources exist worldwide,
including renewables and non-renewables. Non-renewables
mainly comprise oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy [1].
The fossil fuel category includes oil, natural gas, and coal,
while renewable sources encompass solar, wind, hydro,
geothermal, tidal, and biomass energy. Widely used, fossil
fuel-based electricity generation is unsustainable and
environmentally harmful due to carbonization and greenhouse
gas emissions. Nuclear energy, with pros and cons, is costly,
generates hazardous waste, and is not entirely green. In
contrast, renewables are infinite and sustainable, with
decreasing costs and improving efficiency through ongoing
research.
Islands, especially remote ones, face isolation and access
challenges, making extending the national grid uneconomical.
Despite this, the electricity demand grows. Often reliant on
diesel generators and fossil fuels, they face sustainability
issues, including carbonization and GHG emissions,
worsening global warming and climate change.
Environmentally and economically, fossil fuel transport raises
energy costs. Geopolitical tensions further destabilize fossil
fuel supply chains. Ultimately, power sector development
goes in vain if it cannot meet SDG 7. Renewable fraction is
increasing on the mainland, but it is always a challenge for
remote islands.
Energy security is becoming a global concern in the future.
These challenges demand resolution, particularly in finding
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sustainable electricity solutions for remote islands. Renewable
energy sources emerge as the optimal choice for sustainable
energy production. Their costs are declining due to ongoing
research and technological advancements. Many islands are
transitioning, either implementing or planning solar panel
farms and wind turbines, to boost renewable energy shares
while eliminating non-renewable reliance progressively.
Furthermore, certain islands necessitate substantial thermal
energy for various needs such as space heating, hot water, and
industrial purposes. This demand can be fulfilled through
Combined Heat and power (CHP) systems, proficiently
generating both electricity and thermal energy using advanced
technologies and fuels. This approach minimizes losses and
reuses waste energy, channeling it towards facility needs like
process heating, steam, or chilled water [2].
Established technologies exist for seamlessly blending
renewable energy sources with CHP [3]. Moreover, the
concept of DC mini-grids, explored for decades and deployed
in various places, aims to enhance efficiency by minimizing
losses through a direct current (DC) system. Conventional
electricity relies on AC systems, while researchers have
explored DC mini-grids for decades. DC appliances and
systems have shown the potential to curtail electricity
consumption and costs. However, no islands have fully
integrated an off-grid DC system with Hybrid Renewable
Energy Systems (HRES) for CHP. Introducing DC appliances
and off-grid HRES for combined heat and power can address
multiple issues, minimizing appliance electricity usage,
addressing waste in electricity and heat generation, and
establishing a sustainable green energy generation system.
Therefore, this study examines the comprehensive evaluation
of combined heat and power generation viability using a
hybrid off-grid DC system on Fuerteventura, a remote Spanish
island. The study utilized the Hybrid Optimization Model for
Electric Renewables (HOMER) tool.
This study employs a techno-economic approach to assess
the feasibility of employing a hybrid off-grid DC system to
fulfill electrical and thermal requirements in remote island
settings. The primary aim is to identify the optimal
configuration of an off-grid DC system integrated with HRES
for the region. The research objectives encompass examining
off-grid DC systems, a comparative analysis of HRES
viability in distinct global climates, and determining the most
efficient hybrid renewable energy system design for
respective sites, considering factors like cost of energy, net
present cost, and renewable fraction.
 II. LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Renewable Energy In Remote Areas
In this era of industrialization, the energy demand is
expanding globally, with fossil fuels being the primary source
of global warming and climate change. To combat
environmental crises, a relationship between public opinion
and policy is needed [4]. Europe has led the world to
transition to renewables since the 1990s [5]. Until 2017, only
26.5% of energy was produced by renewable sources, with
the rest coming from fossil fuels [6]. Research shows an
overall 41.5% increase in renewable energy consumption
from a decade ago. It has been found from energy structure
scenarios of 41 countries where 25 of them had less than 1%
of renewables [7].
Research has revealed promising opportunities for
reshaping energy systems in South America, Sweden,
Norway, Mexico, Spain, and Denmark, utilizing wind, wave,
and solar energy resources in some underutilized areas such
as the Black Sea, South America, and South Korea [8].
Researchers have indicated that despite economic potential
for renewables on islands such as the Philippines, feasibility
is sometimes hampered due to storage issues [8]. Integration
of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) with the grid also
shows some concerns regarding quality issues such as voltage
and frequency fluctuation and harmonics [9].
Research in 2018 discussed the renewable energy current
states in Pacific Island Countries (PIC). Pacific Island
countries consist of numerous small islands with small
populations. Fossil fuel import costs a high amount of money
for them. Among PIC countries, Fiji and PNG respectively
produce 50% and 25% of their electricity with hydropower
[10]. Another research studied the case of the Pico and Faial
islands of the Portuguese Azores. It demonstrated that
considering an independent power system, Pico can
potentially reach 100% RE penetration, but Faial can not
reach beyond 70%. However, establishing an interconnection
between these two islands can potentially eliminate the use of
fossil fuels [11]. Numerous studies have explored HRES for
power generation on Asian islands, such as Maldives,
Thailand, and Indonesia. Studies show that hybrid systems
with diesel generators have lower performance compared to
100% renewable systems [12], [13]. A study in 2022
analyzed 97 papers that discussed 100% RE systems on
islands [9]. Their study reflects that 100% renewable energy
is techno-economically possible. This has been demonstrated
for some tiny and large islands, referring to several previous
studies and their results. PV and wind power were common
in most cases [9].
An EU project demonstrated the reliability and reliability
of an off-grid hybrid DC system in remote households in
Greece, integrating CHP [14]. Another demand-side
management algorithm was proposed to control unrequired
capital costs [15]. Besides, a Bangladesh study designed a
hybrid system with solar, wind, and tidal resources, showing
feasibility for Swandip Island [16]. It has been found that for
a whole island, a study comprising an off-grid DC system with
HRES for CHP generation was not explored much in existing
pieces of literature.
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B. The rationale of the DC system
Many modern appliances, ranging from light bulbs and
fans to devices like televisions, mobile phones, and
computers, primarily consume direct current (DC). However,
the conventional power system delivers alternating current
(AC). As a result, these appliances require converters to
transform AC power into DC, leading to energy losses during
this conversion process. The situation becomes even more
pronounced when renewable energy sources are integrated
into the system. For instance, photovoltaic (PV) panels
initially produce DC power, which is then inverted into AC
before being supplied to the grid. When a DC load consumes
this electricity, it needs to convert it back to DC to match its
required voltage level. This multiple-stage conversion
process results in significant energy losses within the system,
especially when renewable energies are involved. In response
to these challenges, engineers have begun considering the
implementation of DC mini-grids. This approach makes use
of DC loads and advanced power electronics equipment
readily available in the market. A 2019 study highlighted the
potential energy savings associated with reducing conversion
stages [17]. For example, lighting appliances like LEDs could
achieve a 73% reduction in energy consumption by utilizing
DC-inherent technologies. In residential settings, a 14%
energy savings could be realized by minimizing conversion
losses, and this figure could rise to 33% if DC-inherent
technologies were adopted [17]. Additionally, this transition
could reduce capital costs as the need for numerous inverters
is eliminated.
Three case studies were presented in a previous work
done in 2013. The first case study is of a data center that saved
around 10-15% of energy consumption after switching to a
380VDC architecture which was previously 480VAC
architecture [18]. The second case study was on a commercial
space in NY, USA, where energy savings were 20% [18]. The
third case study was on a residential building that used a
400VDC distribution system. With a DC distribution system,
conversion losses were decreased by 5680 KWh [18].
III. METHODOLOGY
Diesel Generators are the primary means of electricity
production in remote areas. Nevertheless, they are costly to
operate and maintain. These networks can profit economically
and dependably from the combinations of PV systems and
diesel generators. Due to their unpredictable fluctuating
character, PV outputs must be conducted in parallel with the
diesel generators. Our structural analysis starts with the final
aim of defining previous study analysis, system modeling,
performance evaluation, and optimization. Fig. 1 shows the
methodology of the study.
From Fig.1, technical analysis dealt with system
generation and demand meetup, solar irradiance, wind speed,
and temperature statistics. Inflation rate, fuel price, equipment
price, etc., were considered for the non-technical analysis part.
In Fuerteventura, the yearly average solar irradiation is 5.58
kWh/m2 /day, and the annual average wind speed is 7.42 m/s.
A basic HRES may consist of PV, wind turbine,
hydropower, geothermal energy, diesel generator, battery, and
other options. However, in this case, based on favorable
climatic conditions and the availability of resources, only PV
 and wind turbines were considered among renewable sources.
Since the DFIG generator converts the wind turbine output
into AC at a desired level, the converter is required to convert
the AC output of the wind turbine into DC power.

Fig. 2. Schematic of System Architecture

445.39 kW with the same load factor of 0.26 and peak

load of 1703.96 kW.
• Controller: Load Following controller technique has
been chosen for the best optimization.
Fig. 1. Methodology of study.
In addition, a summary of the technical data of each
An understandable summary of the available resources of module is given in Table I.
our HRES model, including their features, can be stated
below: TABLE I. SYSTEM PARAMETER VALUES OF THE SYSTEM
System Parameter Value
• PV Module: A solar system Schneider Conext CoreXC PV System
generic flat plate PV panel with 1 kW capacity was Capital cost 2850 $/kW [14]
used. Replacement Cost 2400 $/kW
O&M Cost 10 $/kW/year
• Wind Turbine: A Leitwind 86 wind turbine with an Lifetime 25 years
86.3m rotor diameter for a lifecycle of 20 years was Derating Factor 96%
Wind Turbine
used with a rated capacity of 1500kW. Capital Cost 1,300,000.00 $/MW [19]
Replacement Cost 154,000.00 $/MW
• Electric Load: The annual peak occurs in September, O&M Cost 15,000.00 $/MW/year
estimated at around 115,979.00 kW. The yearly Lifetime 20 years
average load is estimated to be around 76213.59 kW Hub Height 90 meter
with a load factor of 0.66. The whole demand of the Diesel Generator
Capital Cost 1200 $/kW [20]
island has been scaled down into 25 small community Replacement Cost 1200 $/kW
levels to represent a single community and understand O&M Cost 0.030 ($/op. hour)
its operations. Adding up each such community would Fuel Price 1.9 $/L
give the total load of the island. So, each suburb Minimum Runtime 30 min
Lifetime 15,000 hours
represents the yearly average load of around 3048.5 Converter
kW with the same load factor of 0.66 and peak load of Capital Cost 450 $/kW
4639.16 kW. Replacement Cost 450 $/kW
O&M Cost 15 $/kW/year
• Diesel Generator: For optimization purposes, the Lifecycle 10 years
diesel generator has been given the flexibility to be Battery
Capital Cost 150 $/unit
designed at an appropriate required rating to adjust Replacement Cost 100 $/unit
with supply and demand. O&M Cost 10 $/year
Lifecycle 15 years
• Battery: Battery has been included for two major Project Lifetime 25 years
purposes: (a) as an ancillary service and (b) support Nominal Discount Rate 10%
whenever needed as an energy storage. Our chosen Inflation Rate 6%
model, 'Generic 1kWh Li-Ion', comes with a nominal
IV. RESULT & ANALYSIS
voltage of 6V, a nominal capacity of 167Ah, and a
maximum capacity of 2.7kWh. This study included PV and wind turbines as primary power
sources while the battery would act as an ancillary service
• Thermal Load: Annual peak occurs during December, provider and hence supply when primary sources are
which amounts to 851.98 kW. The yearly average load insufficient, such as night time. To increase reliability, a diesel
is around 222.7 kW with a load factor of 0.26. The generator has been included in the study. However, as the
peak load is 851.98 kW. After scaling like Electric system includes CHP processes, a thermal load controller
load, it represents a yearly average load of around (TLC) has been included to convert the excess electricity into
thermal power. For appropriate optimization of the system,

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 upper limit and lower limit for various resources have been
considered in between 500 to 3,000 kW for PV, 1,500 to 7,500
kW for wind turbine, 0 to 25,000 for Li-ion battery, and 2,000
to 20,000 kW for TLC. Generator and converter sizing has
been varied in such a way as to determine an appropriate
required capacity.
a)
b)
fill in the demand by supplying noticeably much higher power
than at other times of the year, where it mostly performed
minimal operation. Figure 5(c) explains the case properly. The
battery remains sufficient for most of the year except for the
final quarter when it fails to keep sufficient charge; hence, DG
is required to supply for the remaining fraction of demand.
Figure 5(b) portrays the monthly thermal production where
TLC converts the excess electricity into thermal power and
contributes 80.9%, and the boiler performs the remaining.
Excess thermal production of 227% can be handled by
manually scheduling the boiler off.
Based on the simulation results, the most suitable
architecture identified for the system consists of a hybrid
renewable energy system with a diesel generator serving as a
backup power source. This configuration comprises 3,000 kW
of photovoltaic (PV) panels, 7,500 kW of wind turbines,
47,916 batteries, a 5,654 kW converter, an 8,000 kW
Transient Load Controller (TLC), and a 4,900 kW backup
diesel generator. This combination results in a system with a
Cost of Energy (COE) of $0.125.
The simulation indicates that an initial capital investment
of $32.3 million is required, with a Net Present Cost (NPC) of
$67.5 million. Despite operating costs of $2.2 million, the
system's high solar irradiance and strong wind speeds on

c)

Fig. 4. Solar Irradiance (Blue) & Wind Speed (Green) Profile

a)
d)
Fig. 3. Annual (a) PV Power Output, (b) Wind Turbine Power Output, (c)
Generator Power Output, (d) Boiler Power Output

There appear to be noticeable irregularities and

fluctuations in solar (Fig 3(a)) and wind power (Fig 3(b))
b)
output around the final quarter of the year. This is also evident
from Fig 4, which shows a decline in solar irradiance and wind
speed in this period. Consequentially, the battery cannot retain
high SOC (Fig 5(c)) during this time. Thus, the generator
increases its supply to meet the demand during this time (Fig
3(c)). Because less renewable power is produced in this
period, TLC gets less available excess electricity to convert
into thermal power. As a result, the boiler increased its output c)
during this time (Fig 3(d)).
Figure 5(a) shows the monthly electricity generation
where brown bars, orange bars, and green bars represent wind
power, solar power, and diesel generator supply, respectively.
According to the power production stats, 81.4% have been
produced by wind, whereas solar could contribute 15.7%, and
the rest (2.92%) have been supplied by the backup diesel
generator (DG). Since there appears to be reduced solar and Fig. 5. (a) Monthly Electric Power Generation, (b) Monthly Thermal Power
wind resources in winter, a diesel generator was required to Generation, (c) Battery SOC vs DG Output

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 Fuerteventura enable it to generate 88.4% of its total power
from renewable sources, making it a promising long-term
solution for the region. To further address the 26% excess
electricity, future studies could focus on accurately identifying
deferrable loads.
From an economic perspective, the salvage value of the
system remains at $4.75 million at the end of the 25th year.
Increasing the renewable fraction enhances the sustainability
of this proposed HRES, significantly reducing fossil fuel
usage and CO2 emissions. The study indicates a daily fuel
consumption of 1,642 liters, representing a remarkable 91%
reduction compared to using only a diesel generator for power
supply. Similarly, establishing this HRES architecture can
lead to a 91% reduction in CO2 emissions, contributing to a
more environmentally friendly energy solution.
V. CONCLUSION
Extending the national grid to remote areas is often not
cost-efficient and leads to power losses during conversion
stages. To address this challenge, renewable energy sources
like wind and solar power offer a solution by reducing the
need for centralized power generation and increasing the share
of renewables. Additionally, utilizing a DC-based system
helps mitigate power conversion losses, thereby improving
overall efficiency.
Fuerteventura, the second-largest of the Canary Islands
and a popular tourist destination in Spain, presents an
opportunity for renewable energy integration. The optimized
solution suggests a combination of PV panels, wind turbines,
batteries, and a diesel generator to meet the island’s combined
heat and power (CHP) demand. This configuration yields a
promising renewable energy fraction of 88.4%, significantly
increasing from the current 22%. Moreover, the Cost of
Energy (COE) is remarkably low at 0.125 $/kWh, marking a
substantial improvement in environmental impact. By
transitioning to renewable energy, CO2 emissions on
Fuerteventura could be reduced by an impressive 91%,
making significant strides toward sustainable energy
production on a remote island. However, some simulation tool
limitations need addressing for more precise findings and
improved system efficiency. For instance, user-specified
scheduling of the boiler could enhance system performance.
Spain is a global leader in increasing sustainable energy
production, and this study aligns perfectly with Sustainable
Development Goal 7 (SDG 7). It offers a techno-economic
analysis to reduce fossil fuel dependency. The proposed
design addresses all three outcome targets of SDG 7: ensuring
universal access to energy, increasing the share of renewable
energy, and improving energy efficiency.
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