Optimal Planning and Design of Low-Voltage Low-Power Solar DC Microgrids

Low-voltage, low-power solar photovoltaic (PV) based dc microgrids are becoming very popular in nonelectrified regions of developing countries due to lower upfront costs compared to utility grid alternatives and limited power needs of rural occupants. The optimal planning of distribution architecture along with sizing of various system components such as solar panels, batteries, and distribution conductors is essential for minimizing the system cost and enhance its utilization. In this paper, we develop a framework for optimal planning and design of low-power low-voltage dc microgrids for minimum upfront cost. The analysis is based on region-specific irradiance and temperature profiles; constraints in storage and distributions; distribution loss analysis; and optimum component sizing (storage, conductor, and PV panel) requirements based upon an energy balance model for a 24-h operation. We further analyze the merits of tailoring distribution architecture for maximizing the system utility in the planning of future microgrid deployments.

[1]  Debajit Palit,et al.  Energising Rural India Using Distributed Generation: The Case of Solar Mini-Grids in Chhattisgarh State, India , 2014 .

[2]  B. T. Patterson.  LVDC: from concept to practice: an EMerge perspective , 2015 .

[3]  Susan M. Schoenung,et al.  Long- vs. short-term energy storage technologies analysis : a life-cycle cost study : a study for the DOE energy storage systems program. , 2003 .

[4]  T. Nussbaumer,et al.  Extreme efficiency power electronics , 2012, 2012 7th International Conference on Integrated Power Electronics Systems (CIPS).

[5]  Ashok Jhunjhunwala,et al.  Solar-dc Microgrid for Indian Homes: A Transforming Power Scenario , 2016, IEEE Electrification Magazine.

[6]  Mashood Nasir,et al.  Analysis on central and distributed architectures of solar powered DC microgrids , 2016, 2016 Clemson University Power Systems Conference (PSC).

[7]  Vijay Modi,et al.  Simulations of Efficiency Improvements Using Measured Microgrid Data , 2012, 2012 IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference.

[8]  Amin Khodaei,et al.  AC Versus DC Microgrid Planning , 2017, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid.

[9]  R. Palma-Behnke,et al.  Smart Microgrids as a Solution for Rural Electrification: Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Through Cadastre and Business Models , 2014, IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy.

[10]  Brian L. Spatocco,et al.  Targeting Villages for Rural Development Using Satellite Image Analysis , 2015, Big Data.

[11]  Robin Podmore,et al.  DC solar microgrids — A successful technology for rural sustainable development , 2016, 2016 IEEE PES PowerAfrica.

[12]  Ju Lee,et al.  AC-microgrids versus DC-microgrids with distributed energy resources: A review , 2013 .

[13]  Charles Mbohwa,et al.  Electricity for development: Mini-grid solution for rural electrification in South Africa , 2016 .

[14]  Manuel Mazo,et al.  The influence of mismatch of solar cells on relative power loss of photovoltaic modules , 2013 .

[15]  Subhes C. Bhattacharyya,et al.  Mini-grid based off-grid electrification to enhance electricity access in developing countries: What policies may be required? , 2016 .

[16]  Wei-Jen Lee,et al.  Modified microgrid concept for rural electrification in Africa , 2006, 2006 IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting.

[17]  Akshayakumar Ramanlal Desai,et al.  Rural Sociology in India , 1971 .

[18]  Debajit Palit,et al.  Renewable energy based mini-grids for enhancing electricity access: Experiences and lessons from India , 2014, 2014 International Conference and Utility Exhibition on Green Energy for Sustainable Development (ICUE).

[19]  Krishna Shenai,et al.  Electrifying India: Using solar dc microgrids , 2016, IEEE Power Electronics Magazine.

[20]  A. Sannino,et al.  Protection of Low-Voltage DC Microgrids , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[21]  Eric Williams,et al.  Residual learning rates in lead-acid batteries: Effects on emerging technologies , 2015 .

[22]  Jason Poon,et al.  Scalable DC Microgrids for Rural Electrification in Emerging Regions , 2016, IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Power Electronics.

[23]  Johannes Urpelainen,et al.  Energy poverty and perceptions of solar power in marginalized communities: Survey evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India , 2016 .

[24]  A. Tatem,et al.  Population Distribution, Settlement Patterns and Accessibility across Africa in 2010 , 2012, PloS one.

[25]  M. Nthontho,et al.  Rural electrification implementation strategies through microgrid approach in South African context , 2016 .

[26]  M. Bates,et al.  Kerosene: A Review of Household Uses and their Hazards in Low- and Middle-Income Countries , 2012, Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part B, Critical reviews.

[27]  Pierre Desprairies,et al.  World Energy Outlook , 1977 .

[28]  Mashood Nasir,et al.  Design and analysis of solar PV based low-power low-voltage DC microgrid architectures for rural electrification , 2017, 2017 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting.

[29]  Taha Selim Ustun,et al.  Smart microgrid operation simulator for management and electrification planning , 2016, 2016 IEEE PES PowerAfrica.

[30]  Mohd Amran Mohd Radzi,et al.  Power loss due to soiling on solar panel: A review , 2016 .

[31]  Saad Pervaiz,et al.  Low irradiance loss quantification in c-Si panels for photovoltaic systems , 2015 .

[32]  Olive Ray,et al.  Advances in nanogrid technology and its integration into rural electrification in India , 2014, 2014 International Power Electronics Conference (IPEC-Hiroshima 2014 - ECCE ASIA).

[33]  Aminur Rahman,et al.  Feasibility analysis of solar DC Nano grid for off grid rural Bangladesh , 2015, 2015 3rd International Conference on Green Energy and Technology (ICGET).

[34]  S. A. Khaparde,et al.  Deployment of MicroGrids in India , 2010, IEEE PES General Meeting.