100% renewable fueled mine. (15th August 2020) - Romero, Alberto
Abstract: This study investigates the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier to store seasonal energy from wind power in a remote off-grid underground mine located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The energy demands to be satisfied by the Energy Supply System (ESS) were electricity, heating, and cooling. Diesel imports and local wind were the energy utilities available. An optimization model of the mine's ESS was formulated using mixed integer linear programming to search for cost-effective and sustainable energy supply solutions. The objective function to be minimized was the total cost of the ESS (investment plus operation costs). Several optimization scenarios were investigated in a sensitivity analysis, varying the time discretization (12 typical days v. 365 days), and the amount of conventional energy sources (i.e., diesel) available. The analysis could be extended to include other demands, such as mobile work demand and related conversion technologies, i.e., hydrogen-fueled mobile equipment. For the case study considered, results demonstrated that it is technically feasible to meet the demands of a remote mine using a local renewable energy resource exclusively. However, the cost, size, and complexity of the ESS make such an option, in general, unattractive in comparison with a fossil fuel-based system. Highlights: Potential of hydrogen to store seasonal energy from wind power is investigated. Site is a remote off-grid underground mine located in the Northwest Canada. a reduction of 80% in diesel reliance is possible and economical. H2 internal combustion engines are competitive in comparison with fuel. Energy system is technically feasible using local renewable energy resource only.