Solution For Rural Electrification Research Articles

Sustainable rural development by hybrid power generation: A case study of kuakata, Bangladesh

This paper presents a framework for hybrid power production designed to promote rural electrification. This study aimed to model, simulate, and optimize a renewable power framework under the assumption of the operation of services in rural areas in “Kuakata,” located in Southern Bangladesh. This hybrid model integrates solar panels, wind turbines, micro hydropower systems, and diesel generators. The proposed hybrid model analyzes and optimizes the energy framework with the HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software. The cost of the framework is dissipated in the current market, and the sensitivity analysis is studied using the simulation from HOMER as a tool for sustainable development. The findings suggest that a renewable energy framework can replace conventional framework competence and offer a solution for rural electrification.

Assessing the feasibility and quality performance of a renewable Energy-Based hybrid microgrid for electrification of remote communities

Access to reliable energy is crucial for development, yet many rural areas in southern Bangladesh suffer from electricity shortages, impeding essential services and hindering social and economic progress. This paper proposes integrating renewable energy-based microgrids to provide sustainable and reliable electricity, thereby improving living conditions and boosting economic growth. A detailed survey in Ruma, Bandarban, was conducted for load estimation. Simulation results for on-grid and off-grid microgrids are obtained using HOMER Pro and PVsyst software. The off-grid system includes 21.8 kW of PV, 15 kW of hydro, and 222 kWh of battery storage, while the on-grid system includes a 200 kW PV system and a 15 kW hydro turbine. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is 0.15 USD/kWh off-grid and 0.03 USD/kWh on-grid. The on-grid system shows economic sustainability with a 6.8-year break-even point, 13 % IRR, and 8.7 % ROI. Environmental analysis shows significant greenhouse gas reductions, with CO2 emissions decreasing from 227,778 kg/year to 199,016 kg/year. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted, which underscores the resilience of the proposed hybrid microgrid system to weather variations and cost fluctuations. This paper provides a comprehensive foundation for policymakers to consider renewable microgrids as a solution for rural electrification in southern Bangladesh, utilizing solar and hydropower resources.

A critical evaluation of DC microgrid implementation in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

This study thoroughly investigates the potential of direct current (DC) microgrids to enhance electricity access in rural and remote areas of Indonesia that continue to face significant obstacles despite ongoing national electrification efforts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research comprehensively evaluates socio-economic and technical factors that influence the adoption of DC microgrids. The results indicate that DC microgrids offer significant potential for enhancing energy access, reliability, and sustainability, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources. This aligns with Indonesia’s move towards renewable energy. Nevertheless, the analysis identifies significant obstacles, such as the substantial initial investment, the requirement for complete regulatory frameworks, and the technological complexities that need to be conquered. In conclusion, DC microgrids present a promising solution for rural electrification. However, the implementation requires a strategy that emphasizes strategic investments, policy innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. This research significantly contributes to the study of sustainable energy by evaluating the criticality of integrating policies and technology for implementing DC microgrids as a key factor in achieving sustainable energy access in Indonesia.

Analyzing the Viability of Decentralized Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Electrification in Marginalized Communities of Pakistan

Analyzing the Viability of Decentralized Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Electrification in Marginalized Communities of Pakistan

THE TECHNO-ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE BETWEEN A GRID EXTENSION AND HYBRID RENEWABLE SYSTEMS CONSIDERING DEFERRABLE LOADS

The rapid depletion of fossil energy resources significantly increases the need for renewable energy resources (RES) in electricity production. Hybrid power systems (HPS) are a promising solution for rural electrification where grid extensions are uneconomical. This study investigated the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of on-grid or off-grid HPS performance for optimal rural electrification. In addition, the effects of different deferrable load values on grid extension distance (GE) and optimal off-grid system sizing were investigated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of variations in solar irradiation potential, diesel fuel costs, and discount rates on optimal HPS sizing. In scenarios where the deferrable load is above 9%, the GEs were zero, while below 5%, they increased to 24.2 km. In contrast, when the diesel generator (DG) was integrated into HPS, the photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) capacities were reduced by half in the optimal scenarios, and it was found that the GE was zeros regardless of the deferrable load. In the case of the highest deferrable load, the NPC is 22.6% lower than when there is no deferrable load. NPC surpasses the energy cost in the grid-only condition when solar irradiation is less than 4 kWh/m2/day, and ESS cost multipliers are greater than 2. This study will help researchers find optimal electrification solutions that support hybrid renewable energy and environmentally friendly options.

Proposing Dynamic Pricing as an Alternative to Improve Technical and Economic Conditions in Rural Electrification: A Case Study from Colombia

Electricity access in rural areas is a critical challenge for global electrification. Most countries have focused on increasing electricity coverage without assessing the long-term sustainability of such solutions. To achieve sustainability in rural electrification solutions, it is necessary to consider five dimensions: technical, environmental, economic, social, and institutional. This paper reviews the state of rural electrification worldwide and proposes a dynamic tariff scheme that increases the technical and economic conditions of implemented solutions over an extended period. The proposed time-of-use (TOU) pricing methodology aims to flatten the system demand curve and utilize on-site renewable energy potentials. For the methodology’s evaluation, we analyzed a case study focused on electrification in isolated areas of Colombia, conducting a sensitivity analysis of user-behavior to the proposed tariff scheme using the concept of price elasticity of demand. We also evaluated the effect of the achieved demand curve flattening on the system frequency. The identified benefits highlight that an accurate pricing scheme can reduce the variation range in the system frequency. Furthermore, the evaluation results show that the implementation of the proposed tariff scheme has the potential to significantly flatten the demand curve and encourage the connection of non-conventional renewable sources to improve network conditions.

Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach for Optimum Site Selection for Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic Microgrids in Mozambique

Given the constraints associated with grid expansion costs, limited access to reliable electricity, and priorities in addressing the climate agenda and Sustainable Development Goals in low-income countries, microgrids and off-grid solar projects represent a viable solution for rural electrification. This type of solution has the advantage of being less expensive than conventional technologies, is rapidly scalable, affordable, environmentally sustainable, and can play a critical role in empowering rural communities. In this context, this study proposed a spatial framework for off-grid solar energy planning based on a Geographical Information System and Boolean logic, Fuzzy logic, and Analytic Hierarchy Process Multicriteria Decision-Making methods. The results of the applied methodology show that the selection of optimal locations for off-grid solar photovoltaic microgrid projects in Mozambique is significantly influenced by the following order of criteria: climatology, orography, technical and location, social, and institutional criteria. Geographically, about 49% or 344,664.36 km2 of the total study area is initially suitable for an off-grid solar photovoltaic microgrid project; 4% is low suitable, 14% is moderately suitable, 18% is suitable, and 13% is highly suitable. However, 51% of the ranked areas fall into the not feasible and restricted areas, mainly in conservation areas, protected areas, and areas at high risk of flooding and cyclones, covering a total of 387,005.5 km2 within the study area. In general, the approach helps to reduce uncertainty and increase flexibility to identify appropriate sites and strengthen indicators of sustainable development impacts of decentralized rural electrification.

Optimal Energy Management System of Isolated Multi-Microgrids with Local Energy Transactive Market with Indigenous PV-, Wind-, and Biomass-Based Resources

The availability of sustainable, efficient electricity access is critical for rural communities as it can facilitate economic development and improve the quality of life for residents. Isolated microgrids can provide a solution for rural electrification, as they can generate electricity from local renewable energy sources and can operate independently from the central grid. Residential load scheduling is also an important aspect of energy management in isolated microgrids. However, effective management of the microgrid’s energy resources and load scheduling is essential for ensuring the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the system. To cope with the stochastic nature of RERs, the idea of an optimal energy management system (EMS) with a local energy transactive market (LETM) in an isolated multi-microgrid system is proposed in this work. Nature-inspired algorithms such as JAYA (Sanskrit word meaning victory) and teaching–learning based optimization algorithm (TLBO) can get stuck in local optima, thus reducing the effectiveness of EMS. For this purpose, a modified hybrid version of the JAYA and TLBO algorithm, namely, the modified JAYA learning-based optimization (MJLBO), is proposed in this work. The prosumers can sell their surplus power or buy power to meet their load demand from LETM enabling a higher load serving as compared to a single isolated microgrid with multi-objectives, resulting in a reduced electricity bill, increased revenue, peak-average ratio, and user discomfort. The proposed system is evaluated against three other algorithms TLBO, JAYA, and JAYA learning-based optimization (JLBO). The result of this work shows that MJLBO outperforms other algorithms in achieving the best numerical value for all objectives. The simulation results validate that MJLBO achieves a peak-to-average ratio (PAR) reduction of 65.38% while there is a PAR reduction of 51.4%, 52.53%, and 51.2% for TLBO, JLBO, and JAYA as compared to the unscheduled load.

A Novel Low Device Count Four-Port Converter Based Solar-Fed Off-Grid System for Catering Household Hybrid AC/DC Loads

Hybrid ac/dc off-grid topologies offer the combined advantage of higher energy efficient dc loads, and existing low-cost ac loads. Such budding topologies tender a promising solution for rural electrification when supplied from solar power along with battery backup. The desirable features of such a scheme for catering household appliances are: low semiconductor count, continuous current ports for PV, battery and dc load, low-voltage levels for PV and battery, dc and ac load voltage regulation, maximum power point tracking, battery overcharge and deep-discharge protection, high-voltage boosting sans low-frequency transformer, and reduced power converter stages. The schemes reported in the literature lack one or more of these features. To address this concern, a hybrid ac/dc scheme is proffered. The first stage is formed by a novel three-switch four-port converter, which facilitates most of the aforesaid features required in a hybrid system. The remaining features are obtained using a conventional dc–ac converter, which forms the second stage of the proposed solution. The overall solution is substantiated through comprehensive analysis and experimental demonstrations using a 400 W experimental prototype.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Sustainable Rural Development: Perspectives and Challenges in Energy Systems Modeling

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) have proven to be viable solutions for rural electrification. They not only electrify rural locations but also provide environmentally sustainable, secure, and affordable energy if optimized. These systems can best be described as generators of electricity from multiple energy sources that complement each other. Optimized HRESs often generate affordable electricity by minimizing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and carbon emissions. The investigation of social benefit factors within energy poverty is a relatively new discussion in the study of modeling off-grid energy systems. In this perspective article, we examine the importance of computational tools for the energy transition of rural and remote communities. We show that classical and heuristic models possess the capability of optimizing hybrid renewable energy systems considering social parameters including health, education, and income. This is followed by a discussion about the potential changes these computational tools would need to go through to integrate interdisciplinary factors and address societal transformations. The essence of this paper showcases the influx of literature about this topic; additionally, we look beyond the traditional optimization approaches to disclose that new contributions are evolving based on both current and potential needs within society.

3E analyses of battery-assisted photovoltaic-fuel cell energy system: Step towards green community

Diesel generator-based energy systems (DGES) are often utilized for rural electrification, which is neither economical nor an eco-friendly choice. Also, fuel logistics in rural areas and uncertain varying prices of diesel are obstacles that make the DGES technically and economically unfeasible. Thus, a battery-assisted photovoltaic-fuel cell (PV-FC) green energy system (GES) is proposed to meet the energy demand of the rural community in Pakistan. 3E (energy, economic, and environmental) analyses are conducted to access the feasibility of GES in all three domains. The sensitivity analyses are performed to evaluate the effect of the most uncertain parameters on the economy of GES. In addition, the proposed GES is contrasted with DGES. It is investigated that the TNPC and COE of the proposed GES are 15% and 38.4% less expensive than DGES. The proposed GES contributes no emissions to the environment saving 384.47 tons/yr of greenhouse gas emissions as compared to DGES. Furthermore, no significant difference in the technical performance of both DGES and GES is observed. Hence, it is concluded that the proposed GES is financially, technically, and environmentally a feasible solution for rural electrification. Finally, future work is recommended to further explore this research direction.

Solar-Battery-Integrated Hybrid AC/DC Off-Grid System for Rural Households Based on a Novel Multioutput Converter

Solar fed off-grid system capable of catering dc and ac loads simultaneously with battery backup seems to be a propitious solution for rural electrification. However, such hybrid ac/dc off-grid systems reported in the literature have one or more of the following limitations: 1) higher number of converter stages and switch counts; 2) inadequate voltage gain; 3) use of bulky and costly low-frequency transformer; 4) lack of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capability; 5) lack of battery charge control and/or over-charge/deep discharge protection; 6) series connection of several photo-voltaic (PV)/battery units; 7) lack of ac and/or dc load voltage regulation; and 8) use of a dedicated converter for MPPT control. A two-stage hybrid ac/dc off-grid system can be formed by integrating some of the high-frequency transformer-based four-port dc–dc converters reported in the literature. However, such dc–dc converters have higher number of control variables than required for this application thus leading to higher switch count. To overcome all these limitations of existing schemes, this article proposes a two-stage hybrid ac/dc off-grid system capable of catering ac and dc household loads simultaneously. All of the claims of this scheme are substantiated through exhaustive experimental validation carried out on a 400-W laboratory prototype.

Lab performance testing of a small Banki-Michell hydraulic turbine for remote applications

For decades, hydropower has been the most important renewable energy source in the world. The use of Banki-Michell turbine (B-M) in small hydropower constitutes an attractive solution for rural electrification in developing countries and off-grid applications. This robust turbine is easy to design and to construct and not expensive. A test bench (JLA 29) for remote applications was installed at the Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Department of the Brussels Polytechnic School of ULB to test this type of turbine. This paper aimed to present the efficiency results of the installed Banki-Michell turbine test bench for remote applications and these results helped to design a typical turbine adapted for remote sites such as the Ryamukona site located in Burundi. Two series of B-M turbine tests were carried out, by varying the flow rate using the turbine control valve opening placed inside the distributor and also by controlling the turbine speed using a Sinamics S 120 drive. The efficiency of the turbine varies between 40 and 60% for a flow range varying between 15 and 20% of the nominal flow. According to the tests made with a discharge above 20%, the efficiency of the turbine can reach easily 75 %. Based on this turbine efficiency, a typical B-M turbine of an electric power of 79.5 kWe turbine was designed for Ryamukona site which is a remote site located in Burundi.

A Comprehensive Review of Sustainability in Isolated Colombian Microgrids

Context: The increase in rural electrification projects has led to the emergence of technologies that allow operating local distribution networks such as isolated microgrids. However, the successful implementation of these isolated microgrids requires that their planning, operation, monitoring, and control consider a framework that allows maintaining technical, economic, and environmental sustainability over an extended time horizon. Therefore, this paper proposes a model that allows identifying the main technical, economic, regulatory, and environmental variables that should be considered for the successful planning of Colombian rural electrification solutions. Methodology: This paper proposes the use of System Dynamics to create a model that allows describing the causal relationships between the different variables essential for the design and operation of isolated microgrids. To this effect, the identification of the related variables and their corresponding classification are presented, together with a model of theoretical expectations about their relationships. Results: A model that integrates and describes the behavior of the main variables involved in the operation of microgrids was formulated to analyze the possible implementation of policies that guarantee the sustainability of these solutions and enhance the use of renewable energy resources while improving the continuity of the electric energy supply. Conclusions: It was possible to show that operation by means of isolated microgrids with the integration of Distributed Energy Resources is a sustainable solution for rural electrification in Colombia, given that it enhances the use of generation resources with a reduced carbon footprint that are present in the territories under study. These microgrids have the potential to improve the living conditions of users by reducing unsatisfied basic needs. Funding: Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Sede Manizales.

Green prosperity: a natural-based solution for rural electrification in Indonesia

Primary energy demand in Indonesia is growing rapidly due to urbanization, economic growth and population increase. The contribution of New and Renewable Energy to the national energy mix is mandated to reach 23 % by 2025. Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) stresses five sectors in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are to be reduced with forestry and energy being the highest priority. While Indonesia is committed to address climate change through the forestry sector, there are clearly contextual challenges that need to be addressed to create the enabling conditions for REDD+. Biomass production for local energy supply in remote and rural areas could become the agent of change for this difficult problem. This paper proposes a methodology for rural electrification using a community and biomass-based power generation system exemplified by a real case in the Mentawai islands in Indonesia. By replicating this proven system that results in biomass production, land restoration, affordable electricity, and local economic growth, the contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix and the overall prosperity of Indonesians in rural and remote areas can be improved.

Microgrid Protection Against Internal Faults: Challenges in Islanded and Interconnected Operation

Microgrids have gained significant interest over the last 20 years and are perceived as key components of future power systems. Microgrids are defined as distribution networks with distributed energy resources (DERs) (e.g., distributed generators, storage devices, and controllable loads) operating in a controlled and coordinated way. Moreover, microgrids should have clear electrical boundaries and the ability to operate connected to the main power network or islanded. The coordinated control of microgrid resources increases energy efficiency, minimizes the overall energy consumption, and reduces the environmental impacts of energy production. At the same time, the ability of microgrids to seamlessly transition to islanded operation when upstream network faults occur increases the reliability and resilience of the customer supply. Furthermore, microgrids have been adopted as prominent and viable solutions for rural electrification in developing countries, isolated areas, or areas with weak power transmission infrastructures.

Agro-Waste, a Solution for Rural Electrification? Assessing Biomethane Potential of Agro-Waste in Inhambane Province, Southern Mozambique

In this study, we investigated the biomethane potential of cassava peels from the four most common varieties of cassava grown in Inhambane Province in Mozambique, Chinhembue, Cussi, Cizangara and Nhassumbi. Agro-wastes from coconut wood and jambolan wood processing were also analyzed to give a complete analysis of the most significant sources of agro-waste in the province. The macromolecular composition (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) was determined and used to calculate the theoretical maximum biochemical methane potential (BMP). The results show that cassava fiber and cassava peel, which are considered to be waste, are viable resources for biomethane production. Further, the results show that cassava fiber and cassava peel have a higher biomethane potential compared with sawdust, and are therefore more suitable for biomethane production. A study to investigate the effect of toxic cyanogenic glycosides and lignin on cassava peels, using pre-treatment techniques to enhance biogas yield, should be carried out. An estimate of how much electricity can be generated based on the availability of agro-waste (cassava residues) and the amount of biomethane produced in our laboratory experiment was carried out. The amount of electricity that can be produced is enough to provide a valuable contribution to the production process in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and in the cassava industry, or some other use in the rural setting.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Micro-Grid Based Photovoltaic/Diesel Generator Hybrid Power System for Rural Electrification in Kerkennah, Tunisia

Abstract This paper scrutinizes the techno-economic feasibility of a solar hybrid off-grid power system, in a rural area in Tunisia. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (homer) is used for the design and the optimization of a hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/diesel power system consisting of photovoltaic panels, a diesel generator, a converter, and a battery bank. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of the key system parameters such as the average load, the diesel fuel price, and the reliability constraints on the system outputs and performance. Sensitivity analysis is also used to compare different system configurations and to identify thresholds and situations in which one configuration is more cost-effective than another. Three system types are considered: PV/battery, PV/diesel/battery, and diesel/battery. The results showed that beyond a certain load threshold, the hybrid system is the most cost-effective and that micro-grid projects based on hybrid PV/Diesel power systems can be a solution for rural electrification in Tunisia where there is no possibilities for the national electric grid extension.

Simulation of a Hybrid PV System and Micro-Hydropower Using Matlab/Simulink

The depletion of conventional energy sources, the global quest to reduce greenhouse emissions, and the exponential increase in fossil fuel prices are a few reasons that there is more focus on renewable energy resources. Solar and Microhydropower (MHP) is a good solution for rural electrification to alleviate poverty by promoting socio-economic development. The challenge with one renewable resource is when operating independently does not guarantee continuous power flow due to its intermittent nature and the high initial cost. The effectiveness of the system requires more than one resource hence the development of hybrid systems. This paper presents a hybrid system to cater for the 180kW load in the rural area. The PV irradiance fluctuation is mimicked to test the robustness of the system with constant power from MHP. MHP uses a synchronous generator with the excitation system to maintain the required voltage, PV array control is done by the constant current controller and DC/DC/AC converters are employed to interface the PV system and MHP. Results show that when the irradiance is 1000w/m2 and flowrate is 0.27m3 /s the system meets the load demands, but the fluctuation of the irradiance leads to the load being shed to avoid a blackout.

A practical approach for increased electrification, lower emissions and lower energy costs in Africa

Abstract The limited access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy in sub-Saharan Africa could inhibit the region's realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The intermittency and unreliability of power supply in the region has led countries, especially in the eastern sub-region, to implement sustainable energy solutions for rural electrification, thereby improving electricity supply access to underserved and unserved communities. With this focus on rural electrification, a deficit in electricity supply to urban settlements could arise, owing to the economic feasibility of extending the power grid towards securing electricity access for a growing population and the increasing number of rural-urban migrators. This paper reviews existing literature on electrifying sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the prescriptions for deploying energy solutions in the region. Consequently, a country-level case study on grid defection solutions for Nigerian commercial centres assessing 14 different designs of Integrated Power Systems’ (IPS) operations against the three impact metrics of cost implication ($/lifetime), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (CO2 tonnes/yr.) and surplus energy (MWh/yr.), is presented. The systematic analysis demonstrates that an integrated hybrid-solar-photovoltaics (PV)-based system (IHSS) without battery storage, serving 56% of its load from solar-PV and 44% from fossil-fuelled generators provides the lowest cost power supply option. The modelled system generated 25 MWh/yr. in surplus energy and emitted 53% fewer GHG emissions than the largest emitter. A compelling case is made whereby augmenting existing infrastructure with an appropriately sized PV plant will significantly reduce costs and simultaneously have a significant impact on GHG emissions. The generation of surplus energy also presents an opportunity to augment urban electrification through custom-fit sustainable energy solutions and the formation of a transactive electricity market.