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Demonstration of 10 Kw Wind-Solar hybrid  power system facilitates biodiversity and conservation research works and promotes ecotourism infrastructures at St. Martin’s Island at bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar district  Bangladesh ( UNDP supported) 

Introduction : 

St. Martin’s island is the only island in Bangladesh that has coral reef. This island locally known as Narikel Jinjira. It is oblong from south to north and covering of about 8 square km area. Its present population of over 5000 people. Most of the Islanders traditionally depends on marine fishes for their livelihood. The island is a treasurer of marine biodiversity which enriched by numerous species of corals, algae, molluscs and boulders. Its unique natural beauty attracts researchers and tourists from all over the world. 

(Pic : Wind, 5kWP-Solar,5kWP Hybrid System at St. Martins Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh)

 

(Pic : Wind, 5kWP-Solar,5kWP Hybrid System at St. Martins Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh)

Objective of the Project :  
  • To demonstrate Wind-Solar hybrid model
  • To conserve biodiversity and eco-tourism in the St. Martin’s Island
  • To measure effectiveness of the model

 

Renewable Energy resource potentials in the St. Martin’s Island : 

St. Martin’s provides good potentials for intervention of renewable energies like solar, wind biomass as suitable geographical location.

   

Pic :  5kWP -Solar PV system ( Hybrid )  at St. Martins Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Solar Energy : There is good prospect of solar energy resource in the St. Martin’s Island. Average global solar irradiation on the horizontal surface was found 4.8 Kwh m-2day-1 and on the 300 inclined surface it was 5.2 Kwh m-2day-1 which data indicate the bright prospect for solar thermal and photovoltaic application in the Island.

 

Pic :  5kWP -Wind turbine  ( Hybrid )  at St. Martins Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Wind Energy : Good potential of wind energy resources already recorded as previous studies carried out by BCSIR. Significant amount of wind speed in the island was recorded between 3-4 m/s. Therefore low cut-in speed wind turbine is suitable for power generation in the island. 

Biomass Energy : Plenty of coconut palm, variety of fruit tree is the main biomass resource in the St. Martin’s Island. There are some 10000 coconut and fruit trees in the island could be used as raw materials for biomass energy. Biodiesel could be produced from the coconut oil. Coconut oil based fuels have been successfully used to run a diesel engine.  

System features :   Demonstration of  10Kw Wind-Solar hybrid power generation unit in the island which is the first hybrid model in the country financed by UNDP and MoEF

But the use of diesel generator and kerosene lamps make the island environmentally fragile and threatened to ecosystem. Renewable Energy could be an effective alternative to fulfill the electricity demand in the island.

Main advantage of wind-solar hybrid is that, when sunshine is more wind speed is low and vice-versa. Even at night considerable amount of power is produced from wind turbines. So power generation from PV module and wind turbine are stored in a battery bank. It is then converted to AC power and supply to the compound through underground cable line.

Although we have installed 3.2Kw turbine but considerable amount of time wind speed is between 3-4 m/s. At this speed around 3.5 Kw (0.5Kw@7 from performance curve) power will generate, that’s why we have installed 7 wind turbines.

 

Hardware Used :

 

For Solar PV Part :

  • Solar module : Kyocera 125wP (Multi Crystalline)

  • Number of Solar module : 44

  • Capacity of Solar module : 5000wP

  • Inverter : XANTREX, USA,   2nos @ 4.5kW

  • Battery : VARTA , 100Ah , 44 nos

Wind Turbine :

 

Wind turbine : Whisper 175 ( 15 feet), Made in USA

Rotor Diameter = 15 ft

Tower height = 70 ft

Wight = 175 lbs(55kg)

Start up wind speed : 7.1 mph( 3.1 m/s)

Voltage : 24, 32, 48 VDC

Number of  wind turbine : 7

Capacity of each : 3.2Kw  ( at wind speed is between 3-4 m/s)

Peak power : 3200 Watts @ 27 mph (12 m/s)

 

Other accessories :

 

Computer : Pentium - IV, Compaq

Printer :  Laser Printer

Refrigerator: Caravall Brand

Water Filter =  EVA, 2 hp, 210 lit capacity UV resistant water filter

Water pump =  Pedrollo

 

 

 

Expected benefits from Wind-Solar Hybrid System :  Demonstration of 10 Kw Wind-Solar hybrid  power system at St. Martin’s Island facilitates biodiversity and conservation research works and promotes ecotourism infrastructures. Electricity to Laboratory, Central Plaza, Dormitory, Barrack House, Motel, Water pump etc. smoothly operates research work.  

Pic :  Solar Street lights  at St. Martins  Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Using system power in laboratory for lighting, running fans, refrigerator, computer, printer facilitating excellent  research work of turtles  breeding, conservation of coral flora, fauna, reef fisheries and other marine species. Power access to central plaza and barrack house creates standard working environment and organizing seminar/workshop. Power supply to motel, dormitory and water pump provides comfortable accommodation and utilities. Street light within compound secured easy mobility at night.      

Environmental Impact : Fundamentally renewable energies are clean energy and produce no pollution. This type of power supply system may be installed in other commercial motels, offices, business places and households in St. Martin’s Island for keeping environment healthy. The island already recognized as popular tourist destination and holidaymakers increasing day by day proportionately with increasing power demand as well that largely met by diesel generator which producing pollution to biodiversity.         

 

Pic :  Solar Street lights  at St. Martins  Island, Cox's Bazar, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Operation &  Maintenance:  Two years O & M will be carried out by the contractor. After that Ministry of Environment & Forest(MoEF) will take over the responsibilities.

Conclusions & Recommendations:

  • This wind-solar hybrid model for clean energy supply. It would help in conservation of the biodiversity and developing eco-tourism in the St. Martins Island

  • More comprehensive research is required based on the installed model

  • This model is also replicable to the other off-shore Island of the country

 

Solar Energy Programme (UNDP Supported )

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  Last Updated:  06 December, 2008