To meet the described challenges on Bonaire the following enginering systems are proposed: wind turbines, biogas plants, solar roof tops and sewer systems. The idea behind the proposition of this specific systems is to exploit the possibilities of renewable energy sources which are available on Bonaire. Due to the windy conditions on Bonaire there exists a rich potential for the cultivation of wind turbines. The eastern part of the island seams specifically suitable for the operation of windturbines since the island is exposed to the stable trade wind at most in that location. [1] Year-round the average sun exposure per day exceeds 5 hours, it does not fluctuate so much during the year because of its geographical closeness to the equator. [2] Therefore a relatively constant energy supply via solar modules is possible. As a solution solar rooftops, particulary solar shingles are proposed. This solution draws its attractiveness from not having to seal extra landscape for new solar plants, but using the allready existing roofs to produce energy. The installation of a sufficient number of sewer systems seems necessary to prevent the islands groundwater and offshore reefs from pollution by accumulated sewage from the islands population and their economic ventures. [3] In combination with the sewer system, biogas plants are proposed which can harness the residues of the sewer systems to generate extra energy. Also the biogas can serve as an energy storage system to compensate variations in the supply due to changing wind and sun conditions.
[Figure 1]: Illustration of the interrelations between systems and parameters.
As all the systems are interrelated with each other via electrical power connection it is necessary to think of energy as an overall interface between systems. All the proposed systems either create energy or demand it. Also energy is consumed while constructing the systems as well as during maintenance work. The islands energy grid is an autark system, since the island is not connected to onshore energy grids.
Because of the importance of an intact environment, the parameter co2 plays a crucial role in assessing the proposed systems fit into the integrated system.
Looking for a maintenance strategy for the overall system has to keep special attention on the parameter availibility, because as described above, the systems are related and e.g. a decrease in wind energy supply during maintenance work can only be compensated by one of the proposed systems.
The system has to be economically feasible, particularly the construction and maintenance of the overall system and its components has to be inside the annual budget of Bonaire.
As allready described, crucial to the success of the proposed engineering systems and their interrelations is a maintenance strategy that balances the boundary conditions and parameters. A multi- objective optimization is conducted to explore different scenarios and to draw conclusions.
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[1] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonaire
[2] https://www.temperatureweather.com/caribic/wetter/de-wetter-in-aruba-bonaire.htm
[3]https://www.infobonaire.com/bonaires-wastewater-treatment-system-reaches-a-milestone/
Figures
[Figure 1] Illustration by the authors
All sources last viewed 2018-02-12.