Energy Sources for Maintaining Battery Charging Systems (BCS)
Overview - Costs
Grid Electricity
Grid electricity is probably the cheapest of all available energy sources on a per-unit basis. In remote areas, however, the cost of connection may considerably exceed the cost of meeting local needs through systems based on renewable energy technologies (RET).
Hydro Power
Using available hydro power potential to charge batteries seems to be a possibility to supply energy at lowest costs in remote areas.
-> For a brief overview please go here.
This solution, however, is only applicable under restricted local conditions (i. e. existence of hydro power potential).
-> For detailed information please go to: MHP battery charging station - part 1, part 2, part 3.
Wind Energy
If hydro power is not available, wind energy can be cheaper than using photovoltaics (PV) or diesel generator sets, particularly if the fuel supply is far from the user. However, a steady wind regime is required.
Solar battery charging is one comfortable but also expensive possibility to charge the battery direct in the house of the consumer.
-> For detailed information about Solar Battery Charging Stations in Mali please go here.
Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems of different of the abovementioned energy sources for electricity generation in BCS are equally possible and might be a good solution for places where no steady wind regime or water flow can be garantueed.
