Development of photovoltaic power plant for remote residential applications: The socio-technical and economic perspectives

• Published in: Applied energy 2015-10, Vol.155, p.131-149
• Main Authors: Akinyele, D.O., Rayudu, R.K., Nair, N.K.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Battery storage application; Load flow simulation; Needs evaluation; Photovoltaic power plant; Socio-technical approach
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.05.091

•We propose a practical PV model based on global engineering standards.•The social aspect is crucial to the development of off-grid energy systems.•The techno-economic design provides a cost-effective energy option.•Lack of funding is a major obstacle to the implementation of off-grid PV systems. This paper concentrates on the development of a Photovoltaic Power Generation Plant (PPGP) for a remote mini-estate of 24 households, based on the socio-technical and the economic perspectives. This integrated approach presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the development of energy for remote communities. The social lives and the needs of the people are first assessed, followed by the components design and modeling of the PPGP in DIgSILENT PowerFactory tool, taking into account the hourly generation and demand for different seasons. A 400V, 50Hz three-phase output is produced from the plant via a static converter component; AC unbalanced load flow and the quasi-dynamic simulations are also run to ascertain the generation, busbar voltages, line loadings and losses in the system, over a 24-h period. While the PPGP performance is also being investigated, the economic analysis is done by employing life cycle cost analysis. The implementation challenges are highlighted and some recommendations are made as well. The locality of Gwagwalada, Nigeria is used as a case study. Results reveal that the social aspect plays a significant role in the design, planning, implementation and management of the plant. It further indicates that the proposed plant has the potential to provide a continuous and cost-effective power supply for the users during different seasons, compared to a conventional off-grid option.