Stand-Alone Power Systems for Rural
Cambodia
Joseph T. Battle IIIabc
a
b
University of Dayton Research Institute, Sensors System Division, Ohio 45402
Central State University, Industrial Technology, Department of Manufacturing Engineering
c
Minority Analyst Program, UDRI, Ohio 45402
4/11/2013
Table of Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Cambodia ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Economy...................................................................................................................................... 2
Electricity Laws and Energy Source ........................................................................................... 3
Renewable Energy .......................................................................................................................... 5
Solar Power ................................................................................................................................. 5
Advantages .............................................................................................................................. 6
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 6
Wind Power ................................................................................................................................. 8
Advantages .............................................................................................................................. 9
Disadvantages .......................................................................................................................... 9
Hydro Power ............................................................................................................................. 11
Advantages ............................................................................................................................ 12
Disadvantages ........................................................................................................................ 12
Ideal System Placement ................................................................................................................ 14
Implementation ............................................................................................................................. 15
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 15
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 16
Abstract
Cambodia has a population of 14,805,358 in which 22% of households have access to electricity;
this creates a high demand for Renewable energy. Cambodia’s final consumption of electricity in
2012 was (1,639GWh) and from this (742GWh) was from the residential sector. Stand-Alone
systems are well suited for remote rural regions where there is no electricity source. This paper is
a market analysis of the different renewable energy systems and what would be the better
solution, and placement for rural Cambodia.
Cambodia
Cambodia shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the west, and
the ocean coast to the Southwest. The official name
used by the Royal Government of Cambodia for
Cambodia is Preah-reach-ana-chak Kampuchea. The
population is 14,805,358 (World Bank, 2009) in which
22% of households have access to electricity.i
According to the CIA Factbook the population is
expected to be 15,205,539 by July 2013.ii Although
Cambodia is very rich in natural resources, decades of
war have taken a great toll on Cambodia, making it
one of the poorest countries. Cambodia's poorest
people are isolated. They live in remote villages, far
from basic social services and facilities. Many have to
travel more than 5 km to reach a health clinic, and still
others live more than 5 km from the nearest road.
Economy
“Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia and long-term economic development remains
a daunting challenge, inhibited by endemic corruption, limited educational opportunities, high
i
ii
(worldbank)
(CIA.gov)
income inequality, and poor job prospects.”iii With an average income of $1.25 per day nearly 4
million people struggle to find ends meet.
Cambodia’s economy is the 95th freest in the 2013 Economic Freedom index. As trade freedom
and labor freedom continue to improve, they have put Cambodia at a 0.9 % higher overall index
score.iv Out of the 41 countries in the Asian-Pacific region Cambodia is ranked 16th and its
overall score is slightly higher than the regional average. The market is continually transitioning
to a more market-based system because of its openness to global trade and having competitive
corporate tax rates while improving productivity and adding jobs. The maintenance of relatively
sound public finance management has contributed to economic stability. Nonetheless, substantial
challenges remain, particularly in implementing deeper institutional and systemic reforms that
are critical to strengthening the foundations of economic freedom. Property rights and freedom
from corruption remain weak and lingering government interference and controls hurt dynamic
flows of investment and overall economic efficiency.
Electricity Laws and Energy Source
By source, oil contributed the largest portion of electricity (1,410 GWh), followed by hydro (46
GWh)v. The country imported 374 GWh of electricity, totaling in 1,835 GWh of domestic
supply. The final consumption of electricity was 1,639 GWh, by the residential sector (742
GWh), commercial and public services (553 GWh) and industry (344 GWh).
iii
(CIA.gov)
(Heritage)
v
(Reegle)
iv
Series 1
2,000
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
Series 1
800
600
400
200
0
Oil
Hydro
Imported
Total Domestic
Supply
Reegle (a unique clean energy information portal) predicts that electricity generation in
Cambodia is expected to increase significantly in demand in the years to come:
They stated that the Electricity demand in Cambodia is forecast to grow from 244MW
and 946GWh in 2003 to 991MW and 3,478GWh in 2020. The supply requirements of
Cambodia are projected to increase in average by 12.1% per year, and the peak load is
expected to reach 991 MW in 2020.
Electricity in Cambodia is one of the most expensive in the world. The total production cost for
Phnom Penh can reach USD0.18 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Of this, USD0.12 represents the
production costs while the remaining represents service costs.vi Stand-Alone systems will bring
more competitive prices while saving the country billions. Starting with the installation of these
systems in rural areas will decrease the amount of money spent connecting houses to the grid,
which will allow more this money to be spent in other areas of need.
vi
(Reegle)
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is natural energy which does not have a limited supply. vii This energy
resource is natural and can be renewed in a short time period. It can come directly from sun,
wind, water, and other natural movements and mechanisms of the environment like geothermal
and tidal energy. These renewable energy sources do not include energy derived from fossil
fuels, waste products from fossil sources, or from inorganic sources.viii
Solar Power
Solar energy is defined as radiant energy emitted by
the sun.ix Solar Photovoltaic Systems are the typical
solar stand-alone system. The key components to
these systems consist of: Solar (PV) Panels, Batteries,
and an Inverter. As the sun beams down to the earth,
each solar panel takes the sun and converts it into
electricity as a Direct Current (DC). This current is
then sent to an inverter where is converted to
Alternating Current (AC). From there, these currents
can be sent to any household appliances. Batteries are
used to provide power at night or other times when power is not being produced; they can be
expensive and require regular maintenance.
Also they have a shorter life expectancy than
most of the solar system components, which
means the upfront cost of the battery also will
include the cost over time, due to the batteries
being replaced.
Currently, Cambodia does not utilize much solar
power. The New Energy and Industrial
Technology Development Organization used a
10-year annual average solar irradiation of 5.0
kWh/m2/day, based on readings of 4.7
vii
(CEI)
(treia)
ix
(Free Dictionary)
viii
kWh/m2/day average in the lowest area and 5.3 kWh/m2/day in the highest area. x Reegle stated
that solar PV systems in Cambodia currently produce 200-250 kWh. The East Side of Cambodia
has the most solar radiation over a year timespan, which makes it the best place to install solar
PV systems.
Advantages




Solar energy is renewable and will be here as long as the sun is shining on Earth.
Solar energy is clean and doesn’t use fossil fuels to convert electricity.
Solar energy can provide electricity even in homes located in remote places or those off
the grid.
Almost completely maintenance free due to no moving parts.
Disadvantages



Solar energy can provide maximum energy during the day.
Solar farms require a vast area in order for the installation of the right number of solar
panels that will meet the needs of consumers.
Expensive cost of solar panels.
STAND-ALONE SOLAR SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR CAMBODIA
Previously stated it cost USD0.12 to produce electricity on the grid plus USD0.06 per kWh and
the residential areas used 742 GWh which is 742,000,000 kWh. That means that there was
USD133,560,000 total spent for residential areas in a year.
𝛼 = Production Cost (USD kWh)
𝛽 = Electricity Cost (USD kWh)
TP = Total Production Cost (USD kWh)
YU = Yearly Usage (USD kWh)
TC = Total Cost (per year)
Stand-Alone solar systems are an investment that will pay off over time. Solar systems can be
built to match the amount of power needed for any household. Typically a 1 kW system will be
capable of running most residential areas and supply real value.
x
(Reegle)
Commercial Solar Power Systems
Specifications
System 1
CABIN KIT SP1000xi
Provides energy
Includes
for...
Laptop
2 x 200 Watt solar panels Aluminium
240V TV (small) for panel mounting
24V LED
24V 120 A/hr gel battery set
Lighting
20 Amp solar regulator
Small 24V fridge 1000W pure sine wave inverter
(1200W surge)
20 Amp battery charger
DC control & AC switchboard
SETTLERS COTTAGE SP2000
Provides energy for...
Includes
Laptop
4 x 200 Watt solar panels
240V TV (medium)
Aluminum for panel mounting
240V LED Lighting
48V 120 A/hr battery set
Medium Efficient Fridge 20 Amp solar regulator
Pressure Pump
2000W pure sine wave inverter
(2400W Surge)
20 Amp battery charger
DC control & AC switchboard
Self-contained unit with a
lockable battery cupboard
xi
(BellingenSolar)
Price
$3,900
Loads: 850 Whrs
per day
Self Install
Package
Price
$6,790
Loads: 1700
Whrs per day
Self-Install
Package
Wind Power
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using
wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water
pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships.xii
Wind is created because there is an
unequal heating of the Earth’s surface by
the sun.xiii Wind turbines take kinetic
energy (KE) produced by wind and
converts it into clean electricity. Every
time that the wind spins the wind
turbine’s blades, a rotor captures the
kinetic energy of the wind and converts it
into rotary motion to drive the generator.
Most turbines control the rotor from
spinning out of control in high winds by
putting automatic over speed-governing
systems in place.xiv
Some of the largest wind farms (a
farm full of wind turbines) are located in
China and the United States. Wind turbines
are typically used for water pumping and
communications. Small wind systems can be
used on the grid or can be used as a standalone system making it a great system for
rural areas.xv These wind turbines can be
combined with solar photovoltaic systems for
off-grid production of electricity. Some of the
maintenance needed includes: Tightening of
xii
(EEM)
(Wind Energy)
xiv
(Facts)
xv
(EERE)
xiii
bolts and electrical appliances as needed, checking for corrosion, checking for and replacing
worn edge leading blades, and replacing turbine blade bearings after 10 years.xvi
The Wind Energy Resources Atlas Report in South-east Asia that covers Cambodia, Lao
PDR, Thailand and Vietnam shows that the theoretical wind energy resource potential in
the country amounts to 1,380 MW. xvii The report indicates good sites for the future
development of wind energy, but the potential values must be taken cautiously, since the
simulations to determine them were based on global winds, and were not supported by
ground measurements.
Advantages
 Clean energy, no fuel to drill, frack, mine, transport or burn
 Renewable and sustainable
 Costs are relatively low and continue to decrease
 Abundant domestic supply (16X current electric demand!)
 The power is essentially free once the infrastructure is paid for.
 Low life cycle carbon footprint. Breakeven in eight months.
 Can be used almost anywhere.
Disadvantages
 wind is inconsistent, unsteady and unpredictable
 Wind power is not cheap and like many energy sources, rely on government subsidies to
remain competitive.
 Wind farms are generally located in rural areas that might be otherwise picturesque. They
are considered by some people to be an eyesore.
 Some people complain of noise from the turbines.
 Wildlife impact. Not only birds, but bats have experienced fatalities.
 Localized impact on night-time temperatures and weather
Winds in Cambodia tend to have very inconsistent patterns.xviii With the inconsistency it is said
that hybrid systems (Solar PV + Wind Turbines, etc) would be ideal. High winds typically come
off of mass bodies of water, making the southwest border a good place for wind turbines.
xvi
(Wind Powering America)
(Reegle)
xviii
(Un)
xvii
Commercial Wind Power Systems
Specifications
Below are two Stand-Alone Wind turbines that are cost efficient and put out enough energy for a
cabin/house in rural areas
Voltage
Power Output (Kilowatts)
Annual Energy Output
Price: $1,664.22
24.0
0.6
Off-grid turbine - designed for battery
charging
0.0
3.0
4.3
Yes
Yes
No
Sound Level (Decibels)
Number of Blades
Rotor Diameter (Feet)
Pole Mounted
Tower Mounted
Structure Mounted
Maximum Design Wind Speed
156.0
(MPH)
Model:
HY-3000L
Region:
Guangzhou Guangdong
Brief
Description:
1.Low wind startup 2.High Efficiency 3.Minimal
vibration & low noise 4.CE,ETL,Rohs 5.3KW mini
windmill generator 3000w
Green energy: wind energy
Hydro Power
Hydro Power is defined as energy harnessed
from running or falling water used for
productive purposes.xix Hydro power can
date back to ancient times, where people
would use it for mechanical purposes like
watermills, sawmills, power houses and
domestic lifts. Another method used to
transmit energy is the use a trompe, which
produces compressed air from falling water.
Compressed air could then be piped to power other
machinery at a distance from the waterfall. Micro
hydropower systems are small hydroelectric power systems
of less than 100 kW used to produce mechanical energy or
electricity for farms, ranches, homes, and villages.xx This
would not benefit the rural areas of Cambodia for standalone systems due to the extensive amount of work to
getting a power house built and each canal from different
water sources. A possible idea is utilizing a wind turbine
farm to pump water and distribute the water to the various
powerhouses used in rural areas.
The technical potential of hydropower resources in Cambodia in terms of installed
capacity is estimated at 10,000 MW. Around 50% of these resources are located in the
Mekong River Basin, 40% on tributaries of the Mekong River, and the remaining 10% in
the south-western coastal areas. Current use of hydropower resources is, however,
relatively limited, and the current contribution to electricity production is less than 20
MW. Previous studies have identified 42 potential hydropower projects, with a total
installed capacity of 1,825 MW, being capable of generating around 9,000 GWh/year of
electricity.xxi
xix
(Green House)
(EERE)
xxi
(Reegle)
xx
Advantages






Hydro energy is free. You do not need to buy the water from rivers in order to use it to
produce energy.
It is renewable. Whenever you use the water to produce electricity, it would be
replenished by rainfall. This cycle goes on and on, making this source of energy
renewable.
The moment that a dam is built, you could expect an abundant production of electricity,
especially in areas where the river has a large water reservoir.
Dams are meant to last for a very long time. By building a dam, you are actually ensuring
electricity production to last for years, up to the next generations.
Hydro energy production does not release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It is a
clean form of energy that everybody could enjoy.
One advantage with a dam is that if electricity is not needed, you could just halt the
production of electricity and save the water in the reservoir.
Disadvantages



Cost. As with other types of renewable energy, the initial cost of the construction of the
power plant is expensive, and dams are no exception.
Must be built with the highest standards. Dams should be built with precision, accuracy
and with the right materials.
During drought or dry seasons, the water levels in the reservoir may decrease, which
would affect electricity production.
Hydro power would be most beneficial along the southwestern region of Cambodia, closest to
the Gulf of Thailand. Also Cambodia has five rivers in which different hydro systems could be
developed on.
Commercial Hydro Systems
Below are two systems that are cost efficient that will produce enough energy to power
cabins/houses in the rural areas of Cambodia.
2KW System:
2KW HIP Turbine
Inverter PVP2000
Resistor Box 2KW
High Voltage Regulator
TOTAL COST: $6.000
4KW System:
4KW HIP Turbine
Inverter PVP4800
Resistor Box 4KW
High Voltage Regulator
TOTAL COST: $8.000
Ideal System Placement
This figure is used to display where the stand-alone power systems will be the most effective.
The more condense areas of symbols on the map are the areas that each power system will be the
most effective. As the symbols begin to spread out, the systems become less effective. Wind
turbines provide are more sturdy and persistent in higher altitudes; therefore they are located in
elevated regions. Stand-alone hydro systems would be the most beneficial near bodies of water,
which would keep a digging expense down. Though Cambodia currently doesn’t use many Solar
systems, they would be the most effective in the southeast region. When cross-referencing the
map, the areas that include multiple systems would be substantially effect with hybrid systems.
Implementation
Reviewing these systems and some of the best placement options has led to an implementation
process. Alongside observing the nature of the environment, looking at the economy is a major
factor to installing the right system. Hydro systems are currently used the most in Cambodia,
giving it the advantage with the implementation of these systems.
Using hydro systems limits Cambodians to living close to bodies of water or spending the money
digging wells. Starting the implementation of solar PV systems will give those that are inland the
opportunity of accessing this power of the grid and independently. To start, many of the
houses/facilities won’t need much power to cover the lighting of the buildings, which cuts the
cost down by using the smaller solar PV kits. Starting with the Eastern region of Cambodia these
systems could be installed and moved towards the western region over time. As the systems
begin to migrate across the country they will begin to be hybrid systems, once they get to the
western region of Cambodia the systems will mainly consist of Wind turbines and Hydro
Systems. These systems can also be converted to hybrid systems or stand alone.
Conclusion
As the economy in Cambodia continues to grow, the investment of a stand-alone power system
would benefit rural Cambodia in the long run. Taking houses in the rural areas, that are not
connected to the grid, and supplying them with Solar Photovoltaic stand-alone systems would
enable these areas to flourish with the evolving economy at a low cost over a period of time.
Solar PV panels rarely need to be maintained making the maintenance cost very efficient.
Houses located closer to water could utilize hybrid systems which could include solar PV, wind,
and hydro power. All of the systems are an investment that would pay off with time.
Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cambodia
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.clean-energyideas.com/energy_definitions/definition_of_renewable_energy.html
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CIA.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/cb.html
EEM. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.eem08.com/wind-power
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http://factsanddetails.com/world.php?itemid=2408&catid=51&subcatid=326
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treia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.treia.org/renewable-energy-defined
Un. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/cambodia/energy.pdf
Wind Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.windenergyfoundation.org/about-windenergy/how-wind-works
Wind Powering America. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/pdfs/small_wind/small_wind_guide.pdf