Hybrid Solar-Biomass Microgrids for Off-Grid Grain Storage Cooling

Key findings

• ▸Post-harvest grain loss fell 18% relative to the prior ambient-storage season.
• ▸The 40kW hybrid system met 92% of cooling demand without diesel backup during the trial season.
• ▸Levelized energy cost was competitive with diesel generation at local fuel prices.

Abstract

Post-harvest grain loss from inadequate cooling and ventilation remains a major constraint for off-grid smallholder storage cooperatives. This case study documents the design and first-year performance of a 40kW hybrid solar-biomass microgrid built to power cooling and ventilation for a cluster of grain storage cooperatives without reliable grid access. Over the first storage season, the cooperatives using the microgrid recorded an 18% reduction in post-harvest grain loss relative to the prior season's ambient-storage baseline, at a levelized energy cost competitive with diesel generation.