Planning and Optimization of a Multipurpose Farm Using Renewable Energies (Solar) in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Abstract

The instability of Cameroon's electricity network leads to recurrent power outages, which constitute a significant obstacle to socio-economic activity in the region [3]. This is also the case for the agricultural activities carried out by the GIC PROSER in the MEYO area of Yaoundé. The main objective of this work is to demonstrate a solution approach for an ecologically sustainable and relatively self-sufficient solar energy supply by GIC-PROSER, thus creating a prototypical model for other farms. For this purpose, a detailed calculation of the annual energy demand was performed. A first investigation was done in order to find out the potential of wind energy, but the wind speeds are not sufficient to provide enough electrical energy due to the location of the farm. Subsequently, a thorough and optimized planning of a solar generator was made, taking into account the solar radiation data of the area. Finally, an approximate of the economic efficiency calculation of this ecological generator was shown. This results in an annual demand of 25,647 kWh/a with a peak load of 12.8 kW. On the roofs of two farm buildings, 49 solar modules with 600 W each are to be installed, resulting in an output of about 29.4 kW. The solar generator (AC grid) provides an annual energy of almost 38,794 kWh. About 32% of this energy is consumed directly by the electrical equipment on the farm. About 55% can be used for battery charging. The annual surplus of produced energy, about 4,131.90 kWh, is fed directly into the grid. This leads to a degree of autonomy of 90%. This solar system costs about 16,000,000 FCFA (24,425 EUR) and it is amortized 11 years after its installation.