Remote Area Power Supply Systems Research Articles

96/06107 Review of factors that affect the deep cycling performance of valve-regulated lead/acid batteries

Many people throughout the world are remote from electricity networks and do not have access to reliable power. Remote-area power-supply (RAPS) systems offer a reliable and cost-effective alternative to grid connection. Achieving adequate performance from such systems requires appropriate componentry and well-designed control systems/strategies. A relatively new operating methodology—known as partial-state-of-charge (PSoC) operation—is now finding application in the field. The strategy, which can give a three-fold increase in the lifetime energy-delivery of gelled-electrolyte batteries compared with that obtained using traditional charging procedures, is to be employed in RAPS systems in Peru. The PSoC algorithms will be formulated and trailed in the laboratory, and then installed in the Peru facilities where they will be monitored and controlled remotely via a satellite link-up. This approach allows the algorithms to be fine-tuned in situ, and will ensure that system efficiency and battery lifetime are maximised. Use of the PSoC concept is expected to provide a battery lifetime of 8 years.

96/06106 Requirements for batteries in remote-area power-supply systems based on technical modelling and field experience

96/06106 Requirements for batteries in remote-area power-supply systems based on technical modelling and field experience

Renewable energy in the outback of Australia

Many stations and small communities, particularly Aboriginal Communities, have switched from diesel generators to sensible Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) systems consisting of wind and/or solar input, battery bank, inverter and generator back-up. The introduction of Synergy Power Corporation's low-wind regime turbines that can hover/reef rather than furl has allowed wind powered RAPS to penetrate markets in the desert communities that were previously considered unsuitable for wind systems. The unique reefing system is described and some interesting case studies given. Solar water pumping and solar powered microwave telecommunications have been common for the past ten years and have proved extremely reliable and have been well accepted.

User training a vital link in successful remote area power supply (RAPS) implementation

Training of users in the operation and “first line” maintenance of remote area power systems has not been given the priority that it requires. Even a well designed and specified RAPS has its limitations. There are a number of areas which, if not clearly identified and operated within the design parameters or the individual item not being correctly maintained, could lead to the failure of the system as a whole. It is clear that the reliability and overall life of a RAPS system is more dependent on the user than on the system design or product quality, although poor design and inferior products will seriously compromise the integrity of the system.

Requirements for batteries in remote-area power-supply systems based on technical modelling and field experience

The development photovoltaic/diesel remote-area power supply (RAPS) systems and their structural emplacement in developing countries are discussed. Key areas of importance are identified as economic returns for RAPS systems and the need for centralized control and collection of data. The value of photovoltaic modules as a power source and techniques for maximizing the energy input to batteries from this source are explained.

Steam engine characteristics and theoretical performance

Steam engines have been attracting a lot of attention in recent years as prime movers in small scale remote area power supply systems utilizing renewable energy. Steam power systems, using steam generated by boilers fueled from biomass fuels or solar energy, have been shown to be rugged, reliable and cost-effective. Such systems can be made more competitive with diesel power generation systems or even with electricity from oil-fired systems if steam engine efficiencies can be improved. The paper deals with the factors that determine steam engine performance and outlines ways to increase the thermal efficiency of steam engines.

Maximum power point tracking: A cost saving necessity in solar energy systems

A well engineered renewable remote energy system, utilizing the principal of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) can improve cost effectiveness, has a higher reliability and can improve the quality of life in remote areas. A high-efficient power electronic converter, for converting the output voltage of a solar panel, or wind generator, to the required DC battery bus voltage has been realized. The converter is controlled to track the maximum power point of the input source under varying input and output parameters. Maximum power point tracking for relative small systems is achieved by maximization of the output current in a battery charging regulator, using an optimized hill-climbing, inexpensive microprocessor based algorithm. Through practical field measurements it is shown that a minimum input source saving of between 15 to 25% on 3–5 kWh/day systems are easily be achieved. A total cost saving of at least 10–15% on the capital cost of these systems are achieveable for relative small rating Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) systems. The advantages at large temperature variations and high power rated systems are much higher. Other advantages include optimal sizing and system monitor and control.

Coulombic efficiency of lead/acid batteries, particularly in remote-area power-supply (RAPS) systems

This paper investigates the effect of charging regimes and battery designs — and the combined effects of the two parameters — on the overall coulombic efficiency of lead/acid batteries operating in RAPS systems. Under such service, it is highly desirable to achieve a good match between the energy source and the battery characteristics in order to achieve optimum coulombic efficiency at a given state-of-charge of the battery.

Load management in remote-area power-supply (RAPS) systems

Design criteria for hybrid RAPS systems are generally written in terms of the sizing of the various components of the system to provide both the instantaneous maximum power demand and the daily energy requirements of the installation. Most effective use of each component part of the system must be achieved in order to optimize the utilization of the plant and achieve maximum economy. Implementation of such load management schemes demands the installation of some intelligent interface between the source and the load. This is usually some form of microprocessor controller that can be programmed to disable different types of load under different circumstances of supply/demand to limit the maximum demand on the system. The requirements of these controllers and the improvements to be expected from their installation are discussed.

Design considerations for appropriate wind energy systems in developing countries

This paper discusses design considerations of small scale wind energy systems and presents results from some Australian remote area power supply systems. Small scale wind energy systems have the potential for considerable improvement in the standard of living of individuals in rural areas in the developing countries. A commercially viable design should consider factors such as: proper siting, assessing the present and future energy needs of people living in the rural areas and using appropriate technology to fulfil these needs. Australia can contribute advanced and proven technology in this area based on the experience from several remote area power supply programmes undertaken by Federal and State Governments.