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Aim
The aim of the project is to investigate a sustainable grid solution for the Isle of Gigha, which will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 80% by 2030 and will support growth. The outcome will give potential scenarios for Gigha come 2030, to which the sustainable economic growth is increased with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a low carbon economy. |
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Scope and Need
The scope of this project is to develop the future energy system of the Isle of Gigha promoting sustainable growth aligning with Scottish commitments. This study will also address the feasibility and the financial implications involved. Gigha has a low voltage subsea grid connection that is prone to power cuts thus securing the energy supply is one of major importance leading to a need for new energy infrastructure. Since the location of the island is suitable for renewable energy exploitation, the need for development is a great opportunity for sustainability. |
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Approach
To investigate this project, a scenario-based approach was utilised. This way we will be able to evaluate the cost and the benefits of potential changes in Gigha (e.g. population) in combination with sustainable development. In order to implement the goals and the objectives, a micro-grid simulation software 'Homer' was used, in which various energy generation and storage technologies can be connected and simulated outputting extractable data which can be analysed for optimisation. |
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High Level Project Requirements
The following high level requirements have been identified for the project:
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Project Boundaries
The project includes all work associated with investigating, planning and designing of a renewable and sustainable solution for Gigha. This includes the gathering of information, conceptual and technical design, simulation and sensitivity test, as well as the finacial engineering. It does not include the enviromental impact assessment, risk management and social challenges. |
Project Deliverables
There are several deliverables which will be produced as a result of the successful completion of the project:
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Method
First, the 2030 scenarios were generated and then the software requirements were specified, Homer requires hourly energy demand profiles. The accuracy of the simulation is critical for the outcomes and depends on the accuracy of the profiles.
The latest accurate energy demand data for Gigha available was that from an Energy Audit in 2015 [1], which means there was no available information for demand changes on the island over the last three years. To avoid vague assumptions that would divert from reality, contact was made with the director of Gigha Renewable Energy Limited (GREL) and the hospitality businesses on the island so the most accurate data could be collected.
Excel was then used to build spreadsheets with the heat and electric demand profiles and to further validate the demand a software called 'HEM' was used. HEM is a tool for mapping carbon and energy performances for varied dwellings. The energy demand profiles could then be imported to Homer.
Once the profiles are imported to Homer, a different demand model of the island was generated for each scenario. Each model was simulated until the results were the suitable. Finally, the results were exported, analysed and optimised.
The last part of the project was to build a presentation of the project for the Industry day and then build the website.
First, the 2030 scenarios were generated and then the software requirements were specified, Homer requires hourly energy demand profiles. The accuracy of the simulation is critical for the outcomes and depends on the accuracy of the profiles.
The latest accurate energy demand data for Gigha available was that from an Energy Audit in 2015 [1], which means there was no available information for demand changes on the island over the last three years. To avoid vague assumptions that would divert from reality, contact was made with the director of Gigha Renewable Energy Limited (GREL) and the hospitality businesses on the island so the most accurate data could be collected.
Excel was then used to build spreadsheets with the heat and electric demand profiles and to further validate the demand a software called 'HEM' was used. HEM is a tool for mapping carbon and energy performances for varied dwellings. The energy demand profiles could then be imported to Homer.
Once the profiles are imported to Homer, a different demand model of the island was generated for each scenario. Each model was simulated until the results were the suitable. Finally, the results were exported, analysed and optimised.
The last part of the project was to build a presentation of the project for the Industry day and then build the website.
Timeline
To plan the project a work breakdown structure (WBS) was developed, by using Microsoft Project. Microsoft Project is designed for assisting project management and all it's aspects, helping to deliver a plan. By listing and sequencing all the actions the group was able to work efficiently within the timeline. The project started 16th of January 2018, the presentation is due on the 2nd of May 2018 and the website is due on the 12th of May 2018. The project plan schematic is shown in Figure above.
To plan the project a work breakdown structure (WBS) was developed, by using Microsoft Project. Microsoft Project is designed for assisting project management and all it's aspects, helping to deliver a plan. By listing and sequencing all the actions the group was able to work efficiently within the timeline. The project started 16th of January 2018, the presentation is due on the 2nd of May 2018 and the website is due on the 12th of May 2018. The project plan schematic is shown in Figure above.
