Large rural areas in some regions of the world are still grappling with the challenge of electrification. The optimal solution is to provide reliable energy without adding more fossil fuel plants by using distributed renewable generation. Microgrids are part of that solution; they are small networks of electricity users, with a local generator that is attached to a centralized larger grid, but which is also able to function independently. They need to be robust and resilient in order to provide reliable power, including in harsh climates. For remote areas microgrids have the advantage of offering an electricity supply even if there are problems with the larger power grid. This book focuses on the challenges of rural electrification, particularly in poorer regions. It covers low voltage DC distribution system for various applications including charging of electric vehicles (EV). Written by a large team of authors with a wide range of relevant experiences, the book addresses microgrid architectures, converters, energy storage, control, EV integration, business models and economic scheduling, and the role of blockchain technology. The authors have used case studies to provide illustrative examples of the technologies discussed and solutions proposed.

Residential Microgrids and Rural Electrifications contains an overview of microgrids' architecture, load assessments, designing of microgrids for residential systems, and rural electrifications to help readers understand the fundamentals. Including many new topics in the field of home automation and the application of IoT for microgrids monitoring and control, the book includes sections on the infrastructure necessary for charging Electric Vehicles in residential systems and rural electrifications and how to estimate the energy and cost of various combinations of energy resources. Many examples and practical case studies are included to enhance and reinforce learning objective goals. Those in engineering research and technical professions will be able to perform energy and cost analyses of various combinations of energy sources by using advanced, real simulation tools. Features methods for adopting and applying artificial intelligent techniques in microgrids for improving reliability Addresses the role of battery energy storage systems, the reliable operation of microgrids, international standards such as IEC and IEEE standards, and safe handling techniques Covers IoT for the monitoring and control of microgrids and the adoption of recent technologies

Because society depends greatly on electric energy, power system control and protection focuses on ensuring a secure and reliable supply of power. To operate the electric systems in safe mode, the power system component should be equipped with intelligent controllers. The Handbook of Research on Smart Power System Operation and Control is a collection of innovative research on the theoretical and practical developments in smart power system operation and control that takes into account both smart grid and micro-grid systems. While highlighting topics including cybersecurity, smart grid, and wide area monitoring, this book is ideally designed for researchers, students, and industry professionals.

A microgrid is a power generation system intended to provide and distribute electricity to a finite population. Microgrids have become a popular source of energy in rural locations because in some cases they cost less than adding transmission lines to connect to a major grid, and because they can be scaled to meet the changing energy demand of the community. Although it is possible for a microgrid to be connected to a major power grid, this project focuses on isolated microgrids collecting DC power through solar panels and storing energy in batteries. The primary goal of this research is to develop a process to select a microgrid to help electrify rural communities based on non-technical features such as social impact. The primary features of a microgrid system are determined using a microgrid optimization software named HOMER from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). Further analysis of the microgrid system is performed using a pairwise ranking tool that aids in the decision making process. Additional categories with weights are applied to the systems selected by HOMER. Application of the pairwise ranking tool and additional categories, which include non-technical features such as social impact, improve the selection of the final system. The results indicate that selecting a microgrid system based solely on technical components may not be sufficient for every location. In addition, site specific information on microgrids is not readily available. Therefore, this project includes the development of an open source website for information useful to microgrid system design and selection. The website can host site-specific information such as energy polices, annual energy consumption, and previously conducted work. The process described above was used to select a microgrid for Sourou in Burkina Faso in West Africa. Currently, Sourou is not connected to an electrical grid. However, excellent solar resources and nearby solar projects make it a good location for solar power. Use of the method developed here resulted in the selection of a microgrid with improved job creation, and demonstrated how the process can be used to select microgrids for other positive social and environmental impacts. Important information used in the selection process was added to the website. Currently, the site includes regional and local energy policies such as Excellence of the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) Renewable Energy Policy (EREP) and the Africa Renewable Energy and Access program (AFREA) which contain governing rules for West Africa. This organized source of information decreases the time and cost for microgrid system selection and design.

This book addresses the emerging trend of smart grids in power systems. It discusses the advent of smart grids and selected technical implications; further, by combining the perspectives of researchers from Europe and South America, the book captures the status quo of and approaches to smart grids in a wide range of countries. It describes the basic concepts, enabling readers to understand the theoretical aspects behind smart grid formation, while also examining current challenges and philosophical discussions. Like the industrial revolution and the birth of the Internet, smart grids are certain to change the way people use electricity. In this regard, a new term – the “prosumer” – is used to describe consumers who may sometimes also be energy producers. This is particularly appealing if we bear in mind that most of the distributed power generation in smart grids does not involve carbon emissions. At first glance, the option of generating their own power could move consumers to leave their current energy provider. Yet the authors argue that doing so is not a wise choice: utilities will play a central role in this new scenario and should not be ignored.

In recognition of the fact that billions of people in the developing world do not have access to clean energies, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative to achieve universal energy access by 2030. Although electricity grid extension remains the most prevalent way of providing access, it is now recognized that the central grid is unlikely to reach many remote areas in the near future. At the same time, individual solutions like solar home systems tend to provide very limited services to consumers. Mini-grids offer an alternative by combining the benefits of a grid-based solution with the potential for harnessing renewable energies at the local level. The purpose of this book is to provide in-depth coverage of the use of mini-grids for rural electrification in developing countries, taking into account the technical, economic, environmental and governance dimensions and presenting case studies from South Asia. This book reports on research carried out by a consortium of British and Indian researchers on off-grid electrification in South Asia. It provides state-of-the art technical knowledge on mini-grids and micro-grids including renewable energy integration (or green mini-grids), smart systems for integration with the central grid, and standardization of systems. It also presents essential analytical frameworks and approaches that can be used to analyze the mini-grids comprehensively including their techno-economic aspects, financial viability and regulatory issues. The case studies drawn from South Asia demonstrate the application of the framework and showcase various successful efforts to promote mini-grids in the region. It also reports on the design and implementation of a demonstration project carried out by the team in a cluster of villages in Odisha (India). The book’s multi-disciplinary approach facilitates understanding of the relevant practical dimensions of mini-grid systems, such as demand creation (through interventions in livelihood generation and value chain development), financing, regulation, and smart system design. Its state-of-the art knowledge, integrated methodological framework, simulation exercises and real-life case analysis will allow the reader to analyze and appreciate the mini-grid-related activities in their entirety. The book will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, practitioners and policy makers working in the area of rural electrification in developing countries.