Diesel-solar electricity supply for remote monasteries

Abstract

This paper proposes a hybrid autonomous electricity supply system for monasteries as a specific type of load. Chilandar monastery (Mount Athos, Greece) was presented as a case study. Taking into consideration specific location, historical significance, present and future needs of the monastery, and peculiar life style of its inhabitants, a new hybrid system for 400 kWh daily energy consumption and 80 kW peak load have been designed, proposed and elaborated here. It is based on combined use of three new diesel aggregates and a field of photovoltaic panels. Paper further outlines the methodology for selection and sizing up of power generating sources and other equipment. The primary goal for the new system was the reduction of diesel fuel and operational costs. Finally, cost-benefit analysis results of the proposed hybrid system are presented as well. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.