Techno-economic assessment of microgrid in rural India considering incremental load growth over years

Manali Raman; P. Meena; V. Champa; V. Prema; Priya Ranjan Mishra; Manali Raman; P. Meena; V. Champa; V. Prema; Priya Ranjan Mishra

doi:10.3934/energy.2022041

AIMS Energy

2022, Volume 10, Issue 4: 900-921. doi: 10.3934/energy.2022041

Previous Article Next Article

Research article

Techno-economic assessment of microgrid in rural India considering incremental load growth over years

1.
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, B.M.S. College of Engineering, Bengaluru, India
2.
BelBird Technologies Private Limited, Bengaluru, India

Received: 31 March 2022 Revised: 21 June 2022 Accepted: 06 July 2022 Published: 03 August 2022

India, being a developing country with a fast-growing economy, experiences ever increasing electrical energy demand. Industrial and economic development in rural India is impeded by inadequate, erratic and unreliable grid supply. This has resulted in underperformance of small-scale manufacturing and service industries. Dependency on fossil fuel-based sources as an alternative increases the operation costs and carbon emissions. Migration to cleaner energy ensures sustainable solution and addresses the issues of depleting fossil fuels, global warming and environmental hazards. In this regard, hybrid renewable energy systems have gained wide acceptance as optimum solution. Hence, authors have optimally designed hybrid energy system for power deprived rural Indian villages. Authors have heeded to the vital element of incremental load growth over years while designing the microgrid to sustain the increasing load demand of emerging economy of developing country. HOMER Pro Software is utilized to accomplish system size optimization and authors have gained comprehensive insights into techno-financial feasibility for different dispatch strategies of the proposed energy system. The levelized cost of electricity of the optimal off-grid system catering to multiyear incremental load growth is 0.14$/kWh indicating that proposed system is promising in terms of commercial efficacy. The study performs a detailed analysis of the results obtained during different phases of the project to ensure robustness and supply continuity of the proposed system. The paper also includes comparison of the carbon footprint in the proposed system with that of existing system.
- renewable energy,
- microgrid,
- optimal sizing,
- multiyear load growth,
- techno-economic assessment,
- levelized cost of energy
Citation: Manali Raman, P. Meena, V. Champa, V. Prema, Priya Ranjan Mishra. Techno-economic assessment of microgrid in rural India considering incremental load growth over years[J]. AIMS Energy, 2022, 10(4): 900-921. doi: 10.3934/energy.2022041

Related Papers:

Abstract

India, being a developing country with a fast-growing economy, experiences ever increasing electrical energy demand. Industrial and economic development in rural India is impeded by inadequate, erratic and unreliable grid supply. This has resulted in underperformance of small-scale manufacturing and service industries. Dependency on fossil fuel-based sources as an alternative increases the operation costs and carbon emissions. Migration to cleaner energy ensures sustainable solution and addresses the issues of depleting fossil fuels, global warming and environmental hazards. In this regard, hybrid renewable energy systems have gained wide acceptance as optimum solution. Hence, authors have optimally designed hybrid energy system for power deprived rural Indian villages. Authors have heeded to the vital element of incremental load growth over years while designing the microgrid to sustain the increasing load demand of emerging economy of developing country. HOMER Pro Software is utilized to accomplish system size optimization and authors have gained comprehensive insights into techno-financial feasibility for different dispatch strategies of the proposed energy system. The levelized cost of electricity of the optimal off-grid system catering to multiyear incremental load growth is 0.14$/kWh indicating that proposed system is promising in terms of commercial efficacy. The study performs a detailed analysis of the results obtained during different phases of the project to ensure robustness and supply continuity of the proposed system. The paper also includes comparison of the carbon footprint in the proposed system with that of existing system.

References

[1]	United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The Paris agreement. Available from: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement.
[2]	Ujjwal Bharat: Two year achievements and initiatives, 2016. Available from: https://vikaspedia.in/energy/policy-support/ujwal-bharat.
[3]	Adam H, Yael P, Josep G (2018) Microgrids: A review of technologies, key drivers, and outstanding issues. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 90: 402–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.040 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.040
[4]	Mariam I, Asma A (2020) Resiliency assessment of microgrid systems. Appl Sci 10: 1824. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10051824 doi: 10.3390/app10051824
[5]	Isaıas G, Antonio JC, Jose MP (2021) Innovative multi-layered architecture for heterogeneous automation and monitoring systems: Application case of a photovoltaic smart microgrid. Sustainability 13: 2234. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042234 doi: 10.3390/su13042234
[6]	Akhtar H, Van-Hai B, Hak-Man K (2019) Microgrids as a resilience resource and strategies used by microgrids for enhancing resilience. Appl Energy 240: 56–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.02.055 doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.02.055
[7]	Bhattacharyya SC (2015) Mini-grid based electrification in Bangladesh: Technical configuration and business analysis. Renewable Energy 75: 745–761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.10.034 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.10.034
[8]	Amutha WM, Rajini V (2016) Cost benefit and technical analysis of rural electrification alternatives in southern India using homer. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 62: 236–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.04.042 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.04.042
[9]	Chukwuma LA, Patrik K, Charles M, et al. (2017) Replicability and scalability of mini-grid solution to rural electrification programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Renewable Energy 106: 222–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2017.01.017 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.01.017
[10]	Whitefoot JW, Mechtenberg AR, Peters DL, et al. (2011) Optimal component sizing and forward-looking dispatch of an electrical microgrid for energy storage planning. International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference 5: 341–350. https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2011-48513 doi: 10.1115/DETC2011-48513
[11]	Sajed Sadati SM, Jahani E, Taylan O, et al. (2016) Sizing of photovoltaic-wind-battery hybrid system for a Mediterranean island community based on estimated and measured meteorological data. J Sol Energy Eng 140: 011006. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4038466 doi: 10.1115/1.4038466
[12]	Tzu-Chieh H, Kuei-Yuan C (2015) Optimization of a wind-integrated microgrid system with equipment sizing and dispatch strategy under resource uncertainty. J Mech Des 137: 041403. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4029584 doi: 10.1115/1.4029584
[13]	Makbul AMR, Hiendro A, Sedraoui K, et al. (2015) Optimal sizing of grid-connected photovoltaic energy system in Saudi Arabia. Renewable Energy 75: 489–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.10.028 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.10.028
[14]	Anurag Chauhan, RP Saini (2013) Renewable energy based power generation for stand-alone applications: A review. International Conference on Energy Efficient Technologies for Sustainability, 424–428. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICEETS.2013.6533420 doi: 10.1109/ICEETS.2013.6533420
[15]	Anurag C, Saini RP (2014) A review on integrated renewable energy system based power generation for stand-alone applications: Configurations, storage options, sizing methodologies and control. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 38: 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.079 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.05.079
[16]	Dawoud SM, Lin XN, Okba MI (2018) Hybrid renewable microgrid optimization techniques: A review. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 82: 2039–2052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.007 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.007
[17]	Upadhyay S, Sharma MP (2015) Development of hybrid energy system with cycle charging strategy using particle swarm optimization for a remote area in India. Renewable Energy 77: 586–598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.12.051 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.12.051
[18]	Qolipour M, Mostafaeipour A, Tousi OM (2017) Techno-economic feasibility of a photovoltaic-wind power plant construction for electric and hydrogen production: A case study. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 78: 113–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.088 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.04.088
[19]	Olatomiwa L, Mekhilef S, Huda ASN, et al. (2015) Economic evaluation of hybrid energy systems for rural electrification in six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Renewable Energy 83:435–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.057 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.057
[20]	Mamaghani AH, Escandon SAA, Najafi B, et al. (2016) Techno-economic feasibility of photovoltaic, wind, diesel and hybrid electrification systems for off-grid rural electrification in Colombia. Renewable Energy 97:293–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2016.05.086 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.05.086
[21]	Ramli MAM, Hiendro A, Al-Turki YA (2016) Techno-economic energy analysis of wind/solar hybrid system: Case study for western coastal area of Saudi Arabia. Renewable Energy 91: 374–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2016.01.071 doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.01.071
[22]	Ghasemi A, Asrari A, Zarif M, et al. (2013) Techno-economic analysis of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic-diesel-battery systems for rural electrification in eastern part of Iran—A step toward sustainable rural development. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 28: 456–462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.08.011 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2013.08.011
[23]	Salehin S, Ferdaous MT, Chowdhury RM, et al. (2016) Assessment of renewable energy systems combining techno-economic optimization with energy scenario analysis. Energy 112: 729–741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.110 doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.06.110
[24]	Wang ZJ, Chen Y, Mei SW, et al. (2017) Optimal expansion planning of isolated microgrid with renewable energy resources and controllable loads. IET Renewable Power Gener 11: 931–940. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-rpg.2016.0661 doi: 10.1049/iet-rpg.2016.0661
[25]	Waqar A, Wang SR, Dawoud SM, et al. (2015) Optimal capacity expansion-planning of distributed generation in microgrids considering uncertainties. In 2015 5th International Conference on Electric Utility Deregulation and Restructuring and Power Technologies (DRPT), 437–442. https://doi.org/10.1109/DRPT.2015.7432287
[26]	Khodayar ME (2017) Rural electrification and expansion planning of off-grid microgrids. Electr J 30: 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tej.2017.04.004 doi: 10.1016/j.tej.2017.04.004
[27]	Hajipour E, Bozorg M, Fotuhi-Firuzabad M (2015) Stochastic capacity expansion planning of remote microgrids with wind farms and energy storage. IEEE Trans Sustainable Energy 6: 491–498. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSTE.2014.2376356 doi: 10.1109/TSTE.2014.2376356
[28]	Zubi G, Dufo-Lxopez R, Carvalho M, et al. (2018) The lithium-ion battery: State of the art and future perspectives. Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev 89: 292–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.002 doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.002
[29]	Determination of levelized generic tariff for FY 2016–2017 under regulation 8 of the central electricity regulatory commission (Terms and Conditions for Tariff Determination from Renewable Energy Sources), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, Government of India, New Delhi, 2016. Available from: https://cercind.gov.in/2017/regulation/Noti131.pdf.
[30]	Rural electrification in India: Consumer behaviour and Demand. Available from: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/report/rural-electrification-india-customer-behaviour-demand/.
[31]	National solar radiation Database: National renewable energy laboratory. Available from: https://www.nrel.gov/grid/solar-resource/renewable-resource-data.html.
[32]	HOMER Energy LLC 2014 about HOMER energy LLC. (2020) Available from: https://www.homerenergy.com/company/index.html.
[33]	Shin J, Lee JH, Realff MJ (2017) Operational planning and optimal sizing of microgrid considering multi-scale wind uncertainty. Appl Energy 195: 616–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.03.081 doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.03.081
[34]	Central electricity authority. 19th electric power survey, 2017. Available from: https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/summary_19th_eps.pdf.
[35]	Uehara M, Tahara K, Motegi H, et al. (2017) Digital Asia 5.0—Innovation changes economic power relationships. Medium-Term Forecast of Asian Economies (2017–2030). Tokyo: Japanese Centre for Economic Research. Available from: https://pdf4pro.com/cdn/dec-ember-2017-digital-asia-5-jcer-or-jp-107c01.pdf.
[36]	Sahil A (2018) The future of Indian electricity demand: How much, by whom, and under what conditions? Brookings India. Available from: https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/The-future-of-Indian-electricity-demand.pdf.
[37]	Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Government of India. Available from: https://pmaymis.gov.in/.
[38]	TM BV (2016) Historic inflation India—CPI inflation. Available from: https://www.inflation.eu/en/inflation-rates/india/historic-inflation/cpi-inflation-india.aspx.
[39]	HOMER Pro Version 3.13 User Manual, HOMER Energy Boulder, CO, USA, April 2019. Available from: https://www.homerenergy.com/products/pro/docs/3.13/index.html.

Reader Comments

Your name:*

Email:*
© 2022 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)