Multi-feeder minigrid loading index - a prequalifier to rigorous grid integration planning of minigrids

Chikumbanje, Madalitso and Frame, Damien and Galloway, Stuart; (2022) Multi-feeder minigrid loading index - a prequalifier to rigorous grid integration planning of minigrids. In: 2022 IEEE PES/IAS PowerAfrica. IEEE, RWA.

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Abstract

To achieve electricity access in developing countries, grid extension and off-grid energy solutions, such as minigrids, are employed. Recent evidence from Southeast Asia has indicated that the grid continues to expand and converges with minigrids beyond achieving electricity access. Such convergence is associated with policy, regulatory and technical challenges. For example, one of the technical challenges related to grid integration of minigrids is the lack of appropriate methods for their optimal planning. Previous research demonstrates that identifying an optimal point of grid infeed into a minigrid improves the loss reduction of the integrated network. However, the method for identifying grid infeed points requires a detailed power system analysis to be conducted for each minigrid integrating with the main grid. This paper introduces a loading index that can operate as a ‘rule of thumb’ for pre-assessing the need for a detailed grid integration study. The presented index is demonstrated for two case studies, and its accuracy on different minigrid conditions is also discussed.

  • Item type:Book Section
    ID code:81591
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    26 August 2022
    Published
    5 July 2022
    Accepted
    Notes:© 2022 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
    Subjects:Technology > Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
    Department:Faculty of Engineering > Electronic and Electrical Engineering
    Strategic Research Themes > Energy
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:27 Jul 2022 11:55
    Last modified:11 Apr 2024 00:19
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/81591
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