Central University of Technology, Free State, 20 President Brand, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa

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Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to develop an optimal power dispatch model for grid-connected consumers who are also able to generate electricity using the innovative hydro aeropower systems. The proposed system consists of a wind pump with a hydro generator using groundwater in pumped hydro storage configuration. The developed model minimizes the consumer’s energy costs by maximizing the use of the variable wind power converted and stored into potential hydropower; optimally managing the pumped hydro storage system; and minimizing the use of the electrical utility operating with the Time-of-Use rate.
Through a case study in South Africa, the results have demonstrated that, as compare to using the grid as sole power source, the selected consumer can achieve a total daily cost reduction of 49.49% and 53.5% for typical summer and winter days, respectively. The lifecycle cost analysis has projected the system to break-even after 2.6 years as compared to using the grid power exclusively. For a 20 years’ project, using the grid as baseline for the comparison, the lifecycle cost analysis have projected the system to break-even after 2.6 years and save 48.4%. This model can be used to optimally dispatch the power flow in small farming activities with grid connection and where groundwater and wind pumps can be implemented.

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