Strategies for Improved Microgrid System Selection for the Electrification of Rural Areas

Strategies for Improved Microgrid System Selection for the Electrification of Rural Areas PDF Author: Jada Bennette Williams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description
A microgrid is a power generation system intended to provide and distribute electricity to a finite population. Microgrids have become a popular source of energy in rural locations because in some cases they cost less than adding transmission lines to connect to a major grid, and because they can be scaled to meet the changing energy demand of the community. Although it is possible for a microgrid to be connected to a major power grid, this project focuses on isolated microgrids collecting DC power through solar panels and storing energy in batteries. The primary goal of this research is to develop a process to select a microgrid to help electrify rural communities based on non-technical features such as social impact. The primary features of a microgrid system are determined using a microgrid optimization software named HOMER from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). Further analysis of the microgrid system is performed using a pairwise ranking tool that aids in the decision making process. Additional categories with weights are applied to the systems selected by HOMER. Application of the pairwise ranking tool and additional categories, which include non-technical features such as social impact, improve the selection of the final system. The results indicate that selecting a microgrid system based solely on technical components may not be sufficient for every location. In addition, site specific information on microgrids is not readily available. Therefore, this project includes the development of an open source website for information useful to microgrid system design and selection. The website can host site-specific information such as energy polices, annual energy consumption, and previously conducted work. The process described above was used to select a microgrid for Sourou in Burkina Faso in West Africa. Currently, Sourou is not connected to an electrical grid. However, excellent solar resources and nearby solar projects make it a good location for solar power. Use of the method developed here resulted in the selection of a microgrid with improved job creation, and demonstrated how the process can be used to select microgrids for other positive social and environmental impacts. Important information used in the selection process was added to the website. Currently, the site includes regional and local energy policies such as Excellence of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Renewable Energy Policy (EREP) and the Africa Renewable Energy and Access program (AFREA) which contain governing rules for West Africa. This organized source of information decreases the time and cost for microgrid system selection and design.

Strategies for Improved Microgrid System Selection for the Electrification of Rural Areas

Strategies for Improved Microgrid System Selection for the Electrification of Rural Areas PDF Author: Jada Bennette Williams
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 52

Get Book Here

Book Description
A microgrid is a power generation system intended to provide and distribute electricity to a finite population. Microgrids have become a popular source of energy in rural locations because in some cases they cost less than adding transmission lines to connect to a major grid, and because they can be scaled to meet the changing energy demand of the community. Although it is possible for a microgrid to be connected to a major power grid, this project focuses on isolated microgrids collecting DC power through solar panels and storing energy in batteries. The primary goal of this research is to develop a process to select a microgrid to help electrify rural communities based on non-technical features such as social impact. The primary features of a microgrid system are determined using a microgrid optimization software named HOMER from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). Further analysis of the microgrid system is performed using a pairwise ranking tool that aids in the decision making process. Additional categories with weights are applied to the systems selected by HOMER. Application of the pairwise ranking tool and additional categories, which include non-technical features such as social impact, improve the selection of the final system. The results indicate that selecting a microgrid system based solely on technical components may not be sufficient for every location. In addition, site specific information on microgrids is not readily available. Therefore, this project includes the development of an open source website for information useful to microgrid system design and selection. The website can host site-specific information such as energy polices, annual energy consumption, and previously conducted work. The process described above was used to select a microgrid for Sourou in Burkina Faso in West Africa. Currently, Sourou is not connected to an electrical grid. However, excellent solar resources and nearby solar projects make it a good location for solar power. Use of the method developed here resulted in the selection of a microgrid with improved job creation, and demonstrated how the process can be used to select microgrids for other positive social and environmental impacts. Important information used in the selection process was added to the website. Currently, the site includes regional and local energy policies such as Excellence of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Renewable Energy Policy (EREP) and the Africa Renewable Energy and Access program (AFREA) which contain governing rules for West Africa. This organized source of information decreases the time and cost for microgrid system selection and design.

Assessing Feasibility of Fostering Productive Energy Use of Swarm Electrified Microgrids in Rural Communities in Developing Countries

Assessing Feasibility of Fostering Productive Energy Use of Swarm Electrified Microgrids in Rural Communities in Developing Countries PDF Author: Candace Theresa Shaw
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Access to affordable sustainable energy is critical for socio-economic human development. Energy poverty is most predominant for populations in rural areas of developing countries, typically the global south. Successful sustainable development requires technology and business innovations to reach these populations and empower them to improve their quality of life. Off-grid electrification strategies and productive energy use (PEU) appliances are a means of increasing energy access, fostering income generating activities. PEU appliances typically range from charging mobile phones to running equipment such as grain milling- or rice husking machines requiring several kilo-watts. Solar home systems (SHS) are an affordable off-grid electrification solution that have reached millions in rural areas. However, SHS has limited tier energy access, whereas microgrid solutions are more often effective in higher energy access but considerably more expensive and difficult to properly size for future energy demands. Swarm electrification is an innovation electrification strategy done by Solshare, that interconnects existing SHS in a community and allows the excess energy of the households SHS to be bought and sold through a bi-directional DC/DC smart controller. A swarm electrified microgrid is scalable and utilizes existing infrastructure while increasing the tier of energy access. The first objective of this thesis was to understand if swarm electrification could benefit from all the same opportunities as SHS for PEU and if it could overcome the limitations. The second objective was to create a robust methodology to economically and technically integrate a small- and a medium-sized PEU appliances into a swarm microgrid. The first objective was accomplished by conducting interviews with stakeholders working directly or indirectly with SHS. Depending on the geographical location of stakeholder operations, the specific incoming-generating benefits, (agriculture, services, industry, etc.) varied, but were all dependent on the capacity of the SHS, which was also repeatedly stated as a critical limitation. Challenges facing SHS for PEUs include financing, component quality, and knowledge of how to effectively use the SHS. The second objective utilized field data from a Selco India designed AC microgrid for Bochai Colony to design a theoretical swarm microgrid. Solshare's swarm simulation program was used to visualize the energy exchange between households in the designed swarm microgrid. The methodology created was applied on the case study of Bochai, firstly resulting in one 750W and one 7.5kW wheat milling machine selected to be analyzed. The PEU appliances were each integrated into the theoretical swarm microgrid and the simulation results were studied. The small-sized appliance was integrated with 334 days of operation and the medium-sized appliance with 44 days. As part of the methodology, the payback period was assessed and both of the PEU appliances had payback periods under 3 years, which is desired for wheat milling machines. Based on the assumptions and data for Bochai Colony, the PEU appliances were economically and technically integrated into the swarm microgrid. In addition to the two main objectives, the capital cost for the AC microgrid versus swarm microgrid as well as affordability for Bochai community was analyzed. Swarm microgrids with new SHS had same cost order of magnitude as the AC microgrid. The cost of microloans for the SHS in the swarm microgrid was more affordable for households, compared to the electricity tariff paid for the AC microgrid, if the household electrical loads consisted of more than 2 LED lights and a mobile phone charger. Therefore, considering the households electrical demand is likely to increase, it would be more beneficial to implement swarm electrification. The PEU appliance simulation results and the high-level economic cost comparison of the swarm microgrid compared to the AC microgrid for Bochai, were shared with Selco India and Solshare. As a result, Selco is considering implementing a wheat milling machine for Bochai community based on the approximate positive results of the payback periods. Furthermore, because of the results highlighting the opportunities of swarm electrification, Solshare and Selco India will look at completing rural electrification projects together in India in the future.

Microgrids for Rural Areas

Microgrids for Rural Areas PDF Author: Rajeev Kumar Chauhan
Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology
ISBN: 1785619985
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 520

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Book Description
Large rural areas in some regions of the world are still grappling with the challenge of electrification. The optimal solution is to provide reliable energy without adding more fossil fuel plants by using distributed renewable generation. Microgrids are part of that solution; they are small networks of electricity users, with a local generator that is attached to a centralized larger grid, but which is also able to function independently. They need to be robust and resilient in order to provide reliable power, including in harsh climates. For remote areas microgrids have the advantage of offering an electricity supply even if there are problems with the larger power grid. This book focuses on the challenges of rural electrification, particularly in poorer regions. It covers low voltage DC distribution system for various applications including charging of electric vehicles (EV). Written by a large team of authors with a wide range of relevant experiences, the book addresses microgrid architectures, converters, energy storage, control, EV integration, business models and economic scheduling, and the role of blockchain technology. The authors have used case studies to provide illustrative examples of the technologies discussed and solutions proposed.

Residential Microgrids and Rural Electrifications

Residential Microgrids and Rural Electrifications PDF Author: P. Sanjeevikumar
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0323904505
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 354

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Book Description
Residential Microgrids and Rural Electrifications contains an overview of microgrids' architecture, load assessments, designing of microgrids for residential systems, and rural electrifications to help readers understand the fundamentals. Including many new topics in the field of home automation and the application of IoT for microgrids monitoring and control, the book includes sections on the infrastructure necessary for charging Electric Vehicles in residential systems and rural electrifications and how to estimate the energy and cost of various combinations of energy resources. Many examples and practical case studies are included to enhance and reinforce learning objective goals. Those in engineering research and technical professions will be able to perform energy and cost analyses of various combinations of energy sources by using advanced, real simulation tools. Features methods for adopting and applying artificial intelligent techniques in microgrids for improving reliability Addresses the role of battery energy storage systems, the reliable operation of microgrids, international standards such as IEC and IEEE standards, and safe handling techniques Covers IoT for the monitoring and control of microgrids and the adoption of recent technologies

Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries

Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries PDF Author: Subhes C. Bhattacharyya
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319048163
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 411

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Book Description
In recognition of the fact that billions of people in the developing world do not have access to clean energies, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Although electricity grid extension remains the most prevalent way of providing access, it is now recognized that the central grid is unlikely to reach many remote areas in the near future. At the same time, individual solutions like solar home systems tend to provide very limited services to consumers. Mini-grids offer an alternative by combining the benefits of a grid-based solution with the potential for harnessing renewable energies at the local level. The purpose of this book is to provide in-depth coverage of the use of mini-grids for rural electrification in developing countries, taking into account the technical, economic, environmental and governance dimensions and presenting case studies from South Asia. This book reports on research carried out by a consortium of British and Indian researchers on off-grid electrification in South Asia. It provides state-of-the art technical knowledge on mini-grids and micro-grids including renewable energy integration (or green mini-grids), smart systems for integration with the central grid, and standardization of systems. It also presents essential analytical frameworks and approaches that can be used to analyze the mini-grids comprehensively including their techno-economic aspects, financial viability and regulatory issues. The case studies drawn from South Asia demonstrate the application of the framework and showcase various successful efforts to promote mini-grids in the region. It also reports on the design and implementation of a demonstration project carried out by the team in a cluster of villages in Odisha (India). The book’s multi-disciplinary approach facilitates understanding of the relevant practical dimensions of mini-grid systems, such as demand creation (through interventions in livelihood generation and value chain development), financing, regulation, and smart system design. Its state-of-the art knowledge, integrated methodological framework, simulation exercises and real-life case analysis will allow the reader to analyze and appreciate the mini-grid-related activities in their entirety. The book will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, practitioners and policy makers working in the area of rural electrification in developing countries.

Rural Electrification

Rural Electrification PDF Author: Hisham Zerriffi
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9048195942
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
For those in developed nations, suddenly being without electricity is a disaster: power cuts have us fretting over the food stored in the freezer, and even a few hours without lights, televisions, or air conditioning is an ordeal. However, for an estimated 1.6 billion people worldwide, the absence of electricity is their daily experience. An untold number of others live with electricity that is erratic and of poor quality. How can electric power be brought into their lives when the centralized utility models that have evolved in developed nations are not an economically viable option? Poor, rural communities in developing nations cannot simply be ‘plugged in’ to a grid. Small-scale Distributed Generation (DG), ranging from individual solar home systems to village level grids run off diesel generators, could provide the answer, and this book compares around 20 DG enterprises and projects in Brazil, Cambodia and China, each of which is considered to be a "business model" for distributed rural electrification. While large, centralized power projects often rely on big subsidies, this study shows that privately run and localized solutions can be both self-sustaining and replicable. Its three sections provide a general introduction to the issue of electrification and rural development, set out the details of the case studies and compare the models involved, and discuss the important thematic issues of equity, access to capital and cost-recovery. Hisham Zerriffi shows that in each case, it is not simply a matter of matching a particular technology to a particular need. Numerous institutional factors come into play including the regulatory regime, access to financial services, and government/utility support or opposition to the DG alternative. Despite this, in many countries, the question is not whether DG has a role to play. Rather it is a question of how it will play a role.

Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System

Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309463076
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 171

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Book Description
Americans' safety, productivity, comfort, and convenience depend on the reliable supply of electric power. The electric power system is a complex "cyber-physical" system composed of a network of millions of components spread out across the continent. These components are owned, operated, and regulated by thousands of different entities. Power system operators work hard to assure safe and reliable service, but large outages occasionally happen. Given the nature of the system, there is simply no way that outages can be completely avoided, no matter how much time and money is devoted to such an effort. The system's reliability and resilience can be improved but never made perfect. Thus, system owners, operators, and regulators must prioritize their investments based on potential benefits. Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System focuses on identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to increase the power system's resilience in the face of events that can cause large-area, long-duration outages: blackouts that extend over multiple service areas and last several days or longer. Resilience is not just about lessening the likelihood that these outages will occur. It is also about limiting the scope and impact of outages when they do occur, restoring power rapidly afterwards, and learning from these experiences to better deal with events in the future.

Microgrid Architectures, Control and Protection Methods

Microgrid Architectures, Control and Protection Methods PDF Author: Naser Mahdavi Tabatabaei
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030237230
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 781

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Book Description
This book presents intuitive explanations of the principles of microgrids, including their structure and operation and their applications. It also discusses the latest research on microgrid control and protection technologies and the essentials of microgrids as well as enhanced communication systems. The book provides solutions to microgrid operation and planning issues using various methodologies including planning and modelling; AC and DC hybrid microgrids; energy storage systems in microgrids; and optimal microgrid operational planning. Written by specialists, it is filled in innovative solutions and research related to microgrid operation, making it a valuable resource for those interested in developing updated approaches in electric power analysis, design and operational strategies. Thanks to its in-depth explanations and clear, three-part structure, it is useful for electrical engineering students, researchers and technicians.

Handbook of Research on Smart Power System Operation and Control

Handbook of Research on Smart Power System Operation and Control PDF Author: Alhelou, Hassan Haes
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 152258031X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 489

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Book Description
Because society depends greatly on electric energy, power system control and protection focuses on ensuring a secure and reliable supply of power. To operate the electric systems in safe mode, the power system component should be equipped with intelligent controllers. The Handbook of Research on Smart Power System Operation and Control is a collection of innovative research on the theoretical and practical developments in smart power system operation and control that takes into account both smart grid and micro-grid systems. While highlighting topics including cybersecurity, smart grid, and wide area monitoring, this book is ideally designed for researchers, students, and industry professionals.

Fundamentals of Microgrids

Fundamentals of Microgrids PDF Author: Stephen A. Roosa
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000168654
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 231

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Book Description
Microgrids provide opportunities to develop new electrical networks targeted for the needs of communities. The fourth industrial revolution is associated with the global trend toward decentralizing energy grids. Within this context, microgrids are seen as a solution to how renewable electricity can be supplied to local areas. The Fundamentals of Microgrids: Development and Implementation provides an in-depth examination of microgrid energy sources, applications, technologies, and policies. This book considers the fundamental configurations and applications for microgrids and examines their use as a means of meeting international sustainability goals. It focuses on questions and issues associated with microgrid topologies, development, implementation and regulatory issues. Distributed energy resources are defined, stand-a-lone generation systems are described and examples of typical microgrid configurations are provided. The key components of developing a business model for microgrid development are also considered. Features: Describes what microgrids are and details the basics of how they work while considering benefits of microgrids and their disadvantages. Provides answers to the fundamental questions energy managers and other professionals want to know about the basics of microgrids. Details the applications for microgrids and demystifies the types of microgrid architectures that are successful. Includes real-world examples of functioning microgrids which provide models for the development of microgrids in the future. Discusses the key considerations that must be addressed to develop a business case for microgrid development.