A comparative configuration and decision of main restrictions of a renewable energy powered campus micro grid: A case study

Higher education institutes are representative of small cities. Availability of building level data enables categorizing the models according to load profile instead of developing one model for whole communities, which is a gap in literature. In this study, hourly electricity consumption data of 34 buildings measured in Selcuk University is utilized to develop optimum Zero energy campus (ZEC) model. ZEC models developed until now used data of whole campus. In this study, campus and building level ZEC models are compared using PV/Wind/Biomass/Hydropower with/without battery. Biomass is found as a good option for high annual electricity consumption (AEC) buildings whereas using more than two type of renewable systems was better for low AEC. Required system size was found to be smaller at campus level design. However, renewable factor (RF) was higher at building level design which decreased levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Therefore, the main limitation of ZEC is found as electricity selling price. Campus level design will be cost effective in case of electricity selling price to be the same or more then purchasing price. As a result of this study hourly load profile and electricity selling/purchasing prices are found to be the main decision criteria's on optimum HRES design.