Abstract:
Cement manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the
world. Most of the cost of producing cement is accounted by fuel consumption and power
expenditures. Thermal power plants are the major source of electricity in Pakistan. But
they are not efficient and environmentally friendly. This study simulates four different
models for five cement plants of Pakistan on Homer Pro software and compares the
optimal solutions based on the net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of electricity
(LCOE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Model-1 consists of solar panels,
electrolyzer, hydrogen tank, hydrogen generator and converter. Model-2 has only a diesel
generator and acts as a base case in this study. Model-3 has solar panels and a batteryconverter system. In Model-4, diesel generators, solar panels and converters are
considered. Based on NPC, the most optimal model is Model-4, having a 0.249 $/KWh
LCOE in islanded systems. The NPC and operating costs are US$540 million and US$
32.5 million per year, respectively, with a 29.80% reduction in CO2 emissions when
compared to the base case. Based on GHG emissions, Model-1 and Model-3 are the best
models with 0% GHG emissions. Sensitivity analyses is also performed using the
parameters of load, inflation rate, and discounted rate. The results prove that the proposed
hybrid micropower systems (HMS) can sustainably provide electricity for 24 hours a day
to the sites under consideration with minimum objectives.
