Renewable Energy Applications in the University Campuses: A Case Study in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, on an average daily solar radiation received is around 4-6.5 kWh/m2. Despite this large potential, the application of solar energy has been limited to traditional uses only. This research identifies the future energy-supply strategies for the university campuses in Bangladesh. The findings of this research have proposed the way of ensuring electrical energy security as well as efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts through a sustainable solution. It was found that an efficient electrical system design of a building can save a considerable amount of electrical energy; it was 21.15 % of total electrical energy consumption per year and the cost of conserved energy was BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 0.68/kWh. The study also proposed an integrated solar system, which comprises 142 photovoltaic modules, having a capacity of 75 W each in conjunction with 140 batteries (24V, 100 AH) to supply electricity for light and fan only. It costs BDT 2.52 per kWh, which is lower than the minimum unit charge (BDT 3.8/kWh) for a grid-connected consumer in 2015. This indicates that an integrated renewable energy solution can play an important role in achieving electrical energy efficient university campuses in Bangladesh.