Design and Optimization of Hybrid Solar-Wind Energy System For Barangay Graceville
Design and Optimization of Hybrid Solar-Wind Energy System For Barangay Graceville
This research investigates the design and optimization of a hybrid solar-wind power system for Barangay Graceville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, addressing frequent power outages, high electricity costs, and reliance on fossil fuels. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys and interviews assessed solar irradiance, wind potential, and local energy needs to develop a cost-efficient and resilient system. Findings indicate that the Barangay Graceville has strong solar potential, with solar irradiance averaging 5.1 kWh/m², but moderate wind speeds ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 m/s, requiring a hybrid configuration for reliability. Major factors to consider are structural resilience against typhoons and floods and the utilization of locally available, relatively low-cost materials. To address challenges such as high installation costs and limited government support, the research proposes: (1) community-based battery borrowing and charging system, (2) residential level hybrid energy installations, and (3) educational campaigns promoting renewable energy adoption. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers in developing sustainable and scalable energy solutions for urban communities, as well as for future researchers who will conduct a research study about renewable energy.
The global demand for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, particularly in the context of renewable energy systems like solar and wind, has led to the development of hybrid solar-wind energy systems. These systems combine the advantages of these renewable sources, offering a promising solution for reducing dependency on fossil fuels (Hassan et al., 2023). However, there are still gaps in knowledge about how these systems can be implemented effectively in urban settings, particularly in densely populated cities like San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines. This study aims to bridge these gaps by designing and optimizing hybrid solar-wind energy systems for the selected local community, Barangay Graceville, in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The research aims to assess energy needs and resource availability in the barangay, create an applicable design of hybrid solar-wind energy system tailored to its urban conditions, and optimize the system using advanced modeling and simulation tools to ensure cost-efficiency and reliability. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on urban renewable energy systems and provides actionable insights for local communities, policymakers, urban planners, and energy stakeholders.
The shift to renewable energy highlights the need for efficient hybrid solar-wind systems to reduce costs and emissions while ensuring sustainability. This study focuses on optimizing such systems for Barangay Graceville by considering weather patterns, energy use, and economic factors. By using local materials and cost-effective technologies, it aims to enhance affordability, accessibility, and long-term energy resilience.
The researchers aim to answer the following questions:
What designs and optimization are necessary for the Barangay, the study focuses on, in terms of:
1.1 Weather Behavior;
1.2 Energy Consumption; and
1.3 Economic Factors?
How can the hybrid systems be designed to meet the specific energy demands of the community, in terms of:
2.1 Community Needs; and
2.2 Scalable Designs?
How can the hybrid systems be designed to withstand environmental challenges in the community, in terms of:
3.1 Structural Durability Against Typhoons, Heavy Rainfall, and Floods; and
3.2 Designing for Minimal Environmental Impact on Local Ecosystems?
What cost-effective design approaches can be applied to maximize affordability and accessibility in barangay Graceville, in terms of:
4.1 Locally Available Materials and Resources;
4.2 Integrate of Low-Cost Yet Efficient Technologies; and
4.3 Simplifying the Design for Easy Installation and Maintenance?
The study employed a mixed-methods research approach to comprehensively assess the feasibility of a hybrid solar-wind energy system for Barangay Graceville. This methodology integrated quantitative analysis to model and optimize technical performance and qualitative research to capture social preferences and community needs (Knappertsbusch et al., 2023). A convergent parallel design ensures that both data types are collected and analyzed simultaneously, providing a holistic understanding of system feasibility. Furthermore, the study utilized descriptive, exploratory, and design-based research approaches to examine the energy consumption behavior, environmental suitability, and stakeholder engagement crucial for a sustainable energy transition in the barangay.
The research applied purposive sampling to select participants based on energy usage patterns and stratified random sampling to ensure representation across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Key informant interviews with local government officials provide deeper insights into policy and infrastructure challenges (Lokot, 2021). Data collection involves surveys, interviews, and technical assessments of renewable energy resources such as solar irradiance and wind velocity. Statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, regression modeling, and cost-benefit analysis, validated system feasibility, while thematic analysis and triangulation enhanced qualitative reliability. The study also incorporated simulation tools like HOMER Pro to optimize system design, ensuring a cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy solution for the barangay (Tarife et al., 2023).
Barangay Captain
Barangay Kagawad
Barangay Graceville Resident
S.K Chairman
H.O.A Officer
Barangay Graceville exhibits strong solar energy potential, receiving 5.1 kWh/m² per day, making solar power a viable option for renewable energy integration. However, the moderate wind speed of 2.5–4.5 m/s suggests that wind energy alone would be insufficient, making a hybrid solar-wind system the most practical solution. Additionally, the barangay faces frequent power outages during typhoons (40%) and transformer overloads during extreme heat (33.3%), indicating that the existing electrical infrastructure cannot support peak energy demands. In terms of the high energy consumption of government offices and businesses, coupled with monthly electricity costs ranging from ₱40,000 to ₱50,000, adds financial strain to the barangay. Moreover, 23.3% of households earn below ₱10,000 per month, limiting their ability to invest in renewable energy solutions. Addressing these economic disparities through government subsidies or community-based energy programs is crucial to ensuring equitable energy access for all residents.
The energy demand of Barangay Graceville is shaped by both residential and institutional consumption, with 50% of respondents expressing willingness to adopt renewable energy, while 43.33% are open to it if made affordable. However, 53.33% cite high installation costs as the primary barrier to adoption, followed by maintenance concerns (23.33%) and lack of information (16.67%). Additionally, farmlands and open spaces (43%) were identified as the preferred installation sites for solar-wind systems, followed by public buildings (27%) and households (27%). Given that only 46.67% are willing to invest less than ₱5,000, full-scale optimization is currently unfeasible, and a phased implementation strategy is necessary. A community-led approach, starting with pilot projects in public spaces, along with financial assistance and educational initiatives, would improve acceptance and readiness for a broader transition to renewable energy.
Environmental challenges, particularly typhoons, heavy rainfall, and floods, necessitate structural reinforcements for the hybrid solar-wind system. The study recommends tilted solar panels and reinforced wind turbine anchors to withstand typhoon winds exceeding 150 kph, while waterproof battery enclosures and corrosion-resistant materials protect the system during heavy rains. To mitigate flood risks, elevated solar panel structures and battery housing should be installed at least 1.5–2 meters above ground level. In terms of sustainability, rooftop solar installations and the use of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries can minimize land-use conflicts and reduce environmental toxicity. Additionally, placing wind turbines away from residential areas prevents noise pollution and ensures community acceptance. The adoption of recyclable and sustainable materials enhances long-term feasibility while addressing concerns about the environmental impact of renewable energy deployment.
Cost-effective strategies are essential for the successful implementation of a hybrid solar-wind energy system in Barangay Graceville. Using locally available materials such as solar panels and wind turbines from local manufacturers can reduce costs by 20–30%, making the system more affordable. Additionally, recycled aluminum and plastic composites for battery enclosures and panel frames further lower material expenses. The integration of hybrid inverters, which optimize energy distribution and reduce energy losses by 25%, enhances system efficiency. Battery management technologies, including smart charge/discharge controllers, extend battery life, ensuring long-term cost savings. A modular plug-and-play design allows for easy installation and maintenance, while vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) provide a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wind turbines. By simplifying design, integrating affordable technologies, and utilizing local resources, the hybrid system can be made more accessible and sustainable for residents and businesses alike.
The Three Proposed Projects
Community-Based Hybrid Design
Household-Based “Helio X” Hybrid Design
Hassan, Q., Algburi, S., Sameen, A. Z., Salman, H. M., & Jaszczur, M. (2023). A review of hybrid renewable energy systems: Solar and wind-powered solutions: Challenges, opportunities, and policy implications. Results in Engineering, 20, 101621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101621
Lokot, M. (2021). Whose voices? whose knowledge? A feminist analysis of the value of key informant interviews. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920948775
Tarife, R., Nakanishi, Y., Zhou, Y., Estoperez, N., & Tahud, A. (2023). Integrated GIS and Fuzzy-AHP Framework for Suitability Analysis of hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: a case in Southern Philippines. Sustainability, 15(3), 2372. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032372
Knappertsbusch, F, Schreier, M, Burzan, N, and Nigel Fielding (2023). Vol. 24 No. 1 (2023): Mixed Methods and Multimethod Social Research—Current Applications and Future Directions | Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research. FQS. https://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/issue/view/76