Date of Award

December 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Energy Engineering

First Advisor

Olusegun S. Tomomewo

Abstract

North Dakota's high residential energy consumption, driven by extreme weather, is largely met by fossil fuels, contributing significantly to CO₂ emissions. This study evaluates the technical performance, environmental benefits, and economic viability of hybrid wind-solar-energy systems for residential applications in the state.

Using HOMER modeling, two scenarios were analyzed: homes using a combination of utility gas and electricity, and homes relying solely on electricity. Simulations for Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Dickinson showed that hybrid systems reliably met residential energy demand, covering 100% of the annual load in the gas-electric scenario across all locations. In the all-electric scenario, systems achieved at least 90% load coverage, with Dickinson showing the highest reliability based on lower Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) and higher capacity factors due to superior solar and wind resources.

Substantial environmental benefits were observed, with CO2 emissions reductions of 65% to 100%. The all-electric configuration in Dickinson achieved the greatest impact, offsetting 11.5 metric tons of CO2 annually and using surplus energy to further reduce grid emissions. Economic viability, however, was highly dependent on electricity rates. At the state’s average electricity price of $0.11/kWh, hybrid systems struggled to achieve payback. Conversely, with modeled rates of $0.27/kWh, in Dickinson and Bismarck, hybrid systems achieved payback within 8 to 13 years, with competitive Levelized Costs of Electricity (LCOE).

These findings underscore the potential of hybrid systems to deliver sustainable energy and environmental benefits. However, economic feasibility depends heavily on electricity rates, emphasizing the need for supportive policies and pricing to drive adoption.

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