New growth markets for PV: Micro-grids in developing countries - A case study

The authors present a case study of a microgrid project in India where they are providing guidance. The goal of providing renewable energy at a high level of inclusion into the energy infrastructure assumes that the grid is capable of integrating the power. While this assumption is valid in most of the developed world, it is most often not the case in developing countries, making it necessary to develop strategies to allow for off-grid modes of power generation or storage. The authors use computer simulations to analyze a Phase I base level remote 13 kW PV/battery microgrid configuration that provides basic lighting and mobile phone charging for a 79-home below poverty line (BPL) tribal habitation in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) District of Andhra Pradesh state. Phase I analysis of the base level system configuration shows that the 100% renewable system can provide 8 hours of basic household lighting and 2 hours of cell phone charging with less than 8% annual capacity shortage. To assist the project with determining a plan for accommodating growth, the authors analyze and quantify the optimal combination of energy sources that may be added to the base level system for a two-fold increase in electrical output. Results indicate the most functionally feasible option is to triple PV capacity and quadruple the battery bank. Economic metrics favor doubling PV, tripling the battery bank and adding a diesel generator into the mix if fuel transport becomes more reliable. Results also indicate that integration of wind turbines is an economically competitive option; however, the remoteness of the village creates significant operation and maintenance limitations.