User:Cruciblecom/HOMER (software)

HOMER (hybrid optimization model for electric renewables) is a computer model developed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) that simplifies the design and modeling of sub-utility scale hybrid renewable electric generation systems. The energy modeling software was first developed in 1993 to simulate and optimize power generation systems that integrate renewable energy with other types of power sources. Since that time, HOMER - which is available for free - has been downloaded by approximately 40,000 people in 193 countries.

Smaller scale distributed and renewable power projects are the fastest growing segment of the energy industry, particularly in developing countries. HOMER has been conceived to help evaluate the performance, cost and environmental impacts of hybrid energy system configurations and is intended to be easy enough for non-engineers to use.

HOMER works with off-grid and grid-connected power systems for remote, stand-alone, and  distributed generation (DG) applications and is scalable up to 10MW. Many HOMER users - aside from academics - are based on islands or in rural communities that do not have access to a reliable electric grid. HOMER is also frequently used for remote locations with harsh environmental conditions.

Function
HOMER's optimization and sensitivity analysis algorithms allow the user to evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of a large number of technical options and to account for uncertainty in technology costs, energy resource availability, and other variables. HOMER models both off-grid and grid-tied conventional and renewable energy power systems, incorporating wind, solar, conventional engines fueled by diesel or biofuels, micro-turbines, fuel cells, batteries, flywheels and other inputs. The HOMER software is populated with manufacturer data from popular wind turbine models and batteries, while solar PV, diesel generators and various storage technologies use industry averages. Users input load characteristics, preferred system components, local climate information, financial data and other details. HOMER then models the performance of the system for every hour of a year and outputs optimal energy resource configurations, economic factors such as capital and operating costs, responses of the model to changing variables, such as fuel cost, and finally, externalities such as C02 emissions. Many users say that the software has allowed them to dispense with dozens of spreadsheets.

Developing countries
In December of 2009, HOMER was included in a Department of Energy initiative to share free energy software tools worldwide through the creation of the Open Energy Information web platform. This will help make US energy efficiency and renewable energy analysis tools available on a free wiki-platform. Part of the new platform, called the International Clean Energy Analysis Gateway, targets developing countries. Secretary Chu has also announced Department of Energy funding of a new Renewables and Efficiency Deployment Initiative (Climate REDI) to accelerate deployment of renewable energy technologies in developing countries.

User community
Since its launch, HOMER has been downloaded free of charge by nearly 40,000 individuals, corporations, NGOs, government agencies, and universities in over 190 countries. Approximately half the uses are for academic research or education while the rest are split between for-profit corporations, governments, NGOs and individuals. The US has the highest concentration of HOMER registrations followed by Australia, with the remaining users spread across every continent. The majority of power systems which HOMER was used to design - both virtual and real - are 3500 1-10 kW off-grid systems followed by 3,000+ grid-tied projects, 2700+ off-grid systems of 10-100 kW. HOMER was used to design nearly 2,000 off-grid electric systems greater than 100 kW.

HOMER is particularly well-suited to island power system design, rural communities that do not have access to reliable central electric grids, and off-grid locations with harsh or remote environments. Characteristic HOMER customers include those who are redeveloping Thai islands devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, small communities around the world in developing countries and a large Antarctic research station. Prior to the 2010 Haitian earthquake, numerous hospitals in Haiti were running micropower systems designed using the HOMER software, according to Sun Energy Power International, a non-profit providing power to remote health care facilities.

There are a few other examples of micropower system design and modeling software. One is RETscreen a Canadian decision support tool for renewable energy systems based on Microsoft® Excel.

HOMER Energy
In 2009 NREL granted a license to distribute and enhance the HOMER software to HOMER Energy. HOMER Energy provides a commercial outlet for NREL's renewable energy simulation tools, with the goal of enhancing the use of HOMER by industry and decision makers. HOMER Energy distributes HOMER worldwide through its affiliates and provides customization, training, and technical support for its global user base.

NREL retains ownership of the licensed software, and retains the right to use HOMER on government projects. In addition, users will always be able to download version 2.68 Beta free of charge from HOMER Energy. | HOMER Energy