Abstract
Distributed Generation (DG) in any quantity is relevant to supplement the available energy capacity based on various locations, that is, whether a site specific or non-site specific energy technology. The evacuation infrastructure that delivers power to the distribution grid is designed with appropriate capacity in terms of size and length. The evacuation lines and distribution network however behave differently as they possess inherent characteristics and are exposed to varying external conditions. It is thus feasible to expect that these networks behave stochastically due to fault conditions and variable loads that destabilize the system. This in essence impacts on the availability of the evacuation infrastructure and consequently on the amount of energy delivered to the grid from the DG stations. Reliability of the evacuation point of a DG is however not a common or prioritized criteria in the decision process that guides investment in DG. This paper reviews a planned solar based DG plant in Uganda. Over the last couple of years, Uganda has seen a significant increase in the penetration levels of DG. With a network that is predominantly radial and experiences low reliability levels, one would thus expect reliability analysis to feature significantly in the assessment of the proposed DG plants. This is however not the case. This paper, uses reliability analysis to assess the impact of different evacuation options of the proposed DG plant on its dispatch levels. The evacuation options were selected based on infrastructure options in other locations with similar solar irradiances as the planned DG location. Outage data were collected and analyzed using the chi square method. It was found to be variable and fitting to different Probability Distribution Functions (PDF). Using stochastic methods, a model that incorporates the PDFs was developed to compute the reliability indices. These were assessed using chi square and found to be variable and fitting different PDFs as well. The viability of the project is reviewed based on Energy Not Supplied (ENS) and the anticipated project payback periods for any considered evacuation line. The results of the study are also reviewed for the benefit of other stakeholders like the customers, the utility and the regulatory body.
Highlights
Distributed generation (DG) is the production of power at or very close to the customer consumption point for customers tied to the electric distribution system [1]
The distribution company and the customers will benefit more if a decision is taken to locate the Distributed Generation (DG) plant either Pallisa, Masindi or Wabigalo and not Mayuge
The distribution company and the customers would benefit more if Hoima, Wabigalo or Pallisa were chosen for the location of the DG plant using overhead configuration instead of Mayuge
Summary
Distributed generation (DG) is the production of power at or very close to the customer consumption point for customers tied to the electric distribution system [1]. The advantage with DG is that the cost of transmitting the generated power to the load locations is minimized This eventually lowers the total unit cost of energy. It is a growing venture in Uganda today with such a high energy resource potential. This includes an estimated 175 MW of hydro power, 112 MW of thermal, and 595 MW of solar with an average of 5.1 kWh/m2 of solar energy. Uganda will require an estimated 4.17 GW by 2040 increasing its electricity per capita consumption to 3668 kWh, of which 3 GW will be from renewable sources and 2.81 GW will be connected to the national grid [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
