Application of smart grid techniques for effective control in a mini-grid system

Smart Grid is being considered in power systems industry for its vast potentials in providing numerous benefits that include efficient management, self-healing of the network and dynamic pricing. Such a concept can also be applied in managing grid networks that contain renewable energy sources such solar panel, wind and biogas based plants. Renewable energy (RE) sources and the related technology present themselves as important alternatives to conventional energy sources in Bangladesh that is experiencing an acute shortage of electricity supply. RE sources and the associated loads can be operated in a mini grid fashion, and load management and intelligent control of such grids can be achieved through the use of smart grid technology. This paper proposes smart grid operating techniques for efficient management of a mini grid connecting RE sources to household loads in a rural environment. The proposed techniques indicate that smart grid concepts can have useful applications for grid systems based on RE sources.