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In the present scenario, the world has a greatest interest in moving from petroleum products to non-conventional energy sources. The non-conventional energy is very popular in these days because it is cost effective solution for providing energy to the rural area where it is difficult to provide electricity. Generation of electricity through non-conventional sources is pollution free, contamination free energy, limit carbon impression and nursery outflows and guarantee energy security. This paper describes the stability study of distribution generation system under varying loading condition. This study work describe that how to maintain stable output of hybrid system by using FACT devices [2]. Firstly the capacity to meet the heap necessities from solar standalone system is dissected after that hydro standalone system is analyzed. Following this the feasibility examination of a hybrid system (solar and hydro) energy sources has been completed [8]. The important objective work of this paper is to investigate, how maximum and stable power is achieve by using latest techniques in hybrid (solar and hydro) system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrification of 1723 underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost villages (3T villages) using renewable energy-based microgrid is vital role in improving electricity access and socio-economic activities in the regions. This development strategy in line with the government of Indonesia's program to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 29% in 2030 and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) point 7. The challenges of 3T villages electrification are the location of villages that are spread out, varied renewable energy potential and low economic value. To answer those challenges, this study aims to cluster the villages based on renewable energy resource and electricity demand and to assess techno-economic viability of microgrid. The clustering the villages using Clara method and design the microgrid system by optimization model of Homer Pro, and also financial analysis is carried out using several incentive scenarios. The result shows that there are 4 cluster centers: Sari Tani (Gorontalo), Kubang Kondang (Banten), Tuno Jaya (Maluku), and Sungai Pisau (Kalimantan Barat) with microgrid configurations PV capacity 173 – 607 kWp, WTG capacity 12 kW, and BESS capacity 254 – 946 kWh. For 4 cluster villages, the base-case tariff of EPC business model is 3066 - 4115 Rp/kWh, Public Private Patnership (PPP) business model is 3362 – 4525 Rp/kWh, and Resco business model is 4051 – 5478 Rp/kWh. The most effective incentive scenario is the combination of tax allowances, carbon emissions reduction, and interest subsidy minimum 3% or grant 25% capex which can reduce base-case tariffs by 51–59 %. Hence it becomes below 85% regional cost of generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrical power plays a vital role in our lives. We need electricity for industry, agriculture, transport, communication, etc. The fundamental relationship between energy and economics is more people with more income, means a rise in production and hence more consumption of energy. Electric power demand is increasing day by day in all sectors along with the population. Population and income growth are the most powerful driving forces behind electrical power demand globally. To deal with the situation power engineers continuously focus on the increase in the utilization of new and renewable energy. Till date, only wind generator and the solar PV are the two energy sources which give promising results and the mobility to utilize the energy generated through them. Due to technical limitations, the size of the wind generator or solar PV is more than that of the generating electric power. After so many years of research, researchers said that the power utilization generated through solar PV and wind turbine can be easily possible for less load rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is a vital source of fresh water throughout the world. It is a fundamental constituent of the water assets for drinking, agricultural and industrial purposes. But the quality assessment of groundwater in rural parts is not as often as in urban areas. The present paper focuses on the evaluation of groundwater quality in rural parts near Ellenabad city of Haryana state. A total of 30 representative groundwater samples have been collected from some of the villages in the vicinity of Ellenabad city in the pre monsoon period of 2018 and analyzed for various chemical parameters. Based upon the results of analysis, the groundwater quality has been assessed for both domestic and agricultural activities. The analytical results have been compared with Indian and WHO standards. Hydrochemistry of the groundwater samples has been evaluated by using Chloro-alkaline indices (CAIs) and Gibb's plots. Piper diagram has been used to determine water type. Based upon our results, the present research recommends the proper treatment of groundwater before human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current efforts to implement renewable sources for community-driven solutions for energy supply in traditional population settlements having limited access to energy distribution networks are mainly based on systems devoted to fulfilling the electricity demands. However, in addition to the above, many productive activities located at those settlements could also benefit from the current advances in solar thermal energy collectors' designs aimed at providing modular and reliable heat sources for micro-industries. Accordingly, this work describes the results of a study for the integration of solar heat in five small-scale productive activities in isolated settlements from Spain, Mexico, and Chile. The study has been carried out in the framework of the MICROPROD-SOLAR project, which intends to promote and support the use of solar heat for productive processes in small-scale micro-factories, farms and other productive centers located in areas where, due to geographical, economic or environmental constraints, the access to energy is limited. The analyzed cases correspond to the following sectors: traditional beverages, milk and cheese processing and greenhouse heating. They were selected as a first reference for a techno-economic assessment to support stakeholders and end-users' specific initiatives. Simulations with a specific tool have been carried out to evaluate both the reachable solar fraction and the payback period, in each of the case studies showing favorable results in almost all the cases for the possible integration of a solar heat system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the need for rural electrification, recent studies on the optimization of HRES has been conducted extensively to improve the planning process before microgrid implementation. Improvement in recent literature and practice have enabled new systems of storage to store energies as chemicals that would not be affected by the self-discharge rate, among others, of battery energy systems, albeit having its own disadvantages. Hence, this paper seeks to determine the applicability of an HRES system to consider these two types of storages and how a choice between the two can be made. With this goal, a mixed-integer linear programming model was formulated that aims to minimize the economic costs of an HRES microgrid implementation of a SPV/WTG/diesel system with battery and ammonia storage systems. The model would identify the number of each component to be installed as well as their sizes for SPV and WTG, being area and height, respectively. Since ammonia is a chemical that can be sold as fertilizer or fuel to bolster the economic viability of the system, the amount of energy needed to produce this chemical and to be sold was also determined. Moreover, the distribution of electricity from each source towards the demand loads would be determined to yield insights on the amount and proportion of energies generated, stored, and used throughout the planning horizon. Through this model, this paper has successfully formulated a model that provides decision support on several possible configurations of HRES microgrids to aid in its future developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain areas suffer frequent energy shortages due to their limited access to the power grid. With this notion, it is very recommended that these areas utilize alternative forms of producing electric energy. The Solar Home System (SHS) has helped millions of families gain access to electricity in Asia and requires the simplest form of a panel and battery. This setup provides a household with sufficient power for their basic needs, particularly the electrification of essential lightings and appliances. The Swarm Solar Household System (SSHS) is one of the potential ways of enjoying energy for every household for in this process, the households that need more power can connect to the interconnected households and use their energy. This research establishes a proof-of-concept for the idea of swarm solar household systems (SSHS) as an additional but beneficial feature for existing solar home systems (SHS). The IoT-based information and control system will be used to utilize SSHS powerfully. SSHS has been installed readily by each of these modeled households. Every household includes a swarm solar household system wireless connection. Monitoring the mutual power and cost process associated with this SSHS can determine the owner's total payment. In this study, an IoT-based swarm solar household system was successfully obtained using sensors, controllers, Wi-Fi modules, and software applications via Blynk with a built-in cloud server for monitoring and controlling the connection between households; energy sharing is enabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through collaborative working, staff engagement, grassroots input, culture change and leadership support, the Greater West Programme rose to the challenge of 'delivering environmental benefits and sustainable outcomes to the highest industry standard', with the strong belief that 'environmental protection and sustainable development are everyone's business'. The programme developed and implemented initiatives that are leading the way in the industry, such as biodiversity no net loss based on good practice principles of biodiversity offsetting. The programme introduced sustainable construction solutions on its sites such as solar energy production as an alternative to diesel generators. It also encouraged innovative construction methods to minimise import of aggregates and associated lorry movements, and to maximise their reuse at demobilisation stage. The programme engaged with thousands of lineside neighbours and local stakeholders to minimise the impact of the works and leave a long-lasting legacy by funding biodiversity projects, taking part in volunteering, fundraising for local charities and inspiring the next generation to consider engineering within the rail industry as a career path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic sustainability is an integral aspect of sustainability, meaning that humans utilise, protect and conserve human- and material-based services in order to create renewable long-term assets by an optimal utilisation, recycle and recovery. Building investments and running costs are fiscal metrics utilised in economic sustainability indices. Capital costs are accumulated expenditures when the process starts. Capital expenditures rely largely on the type and process of treating waste water. Usually, these costs involve planning, construction, equipment and facilities, electrification, induction, training, start-up, substitute components, cost of reservations, etc. This paper explores some of the instruments for calculating economic sustainability. That include exposure analysis (SA), particulate matter analysis (PCA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the international trend to promote renewable energy, as part of energy security as well as greenhouse gas emission reduction. Wind and solar energies can be used to supplement the conventional energy sources predominantly in remote coastal localities of Bangladesh. Feasibility study of renewable resources of Maheshkhali, an off-grid remote island, is presented in this paper. Purpose of this study is to design, simulation, and economic analysis of a stand-alone optimal mini-grid Solar-Diesel hybrid power generation system in a remote island of Bangladesh to satisfy the energy demands in a sustainable way by HOMER ENERGY software. Two diesel generator are added to ensure uninterrupted power supply due to the intermittent nature of renewable resources. Optimum size of different components, electrical load with a certain random variability, fraction of renewable energy, excess electricity, performance of its different components, environmental impacts, cost of energy (COE), net present cost (NPC), annualized cost are analyzed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrification is one of the driving factors for improving the life quality of a country. Currently, Indonesia electrification is borne solely by Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), which aren't sustainable and eco-friendly due to its main energy source is fossil fuel. Gorontalo, which is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources has installed many renewable power plant energies, but some of them have stopped operating due to an inability to maintain the operation. In South Dulamayo Village, which its energy supply has already dominated by PLN, there is still a renewable energy power plant. The microhydro power plant project (MHPP) in South Dulamayo has operated for more than seven years old. It currently struggles to maintain its sustainability. This study focused on capturing how the microhydro power plant in South Dulamayo maintains its sustainability. It is possible to keep The MHPP South Dulamayo working together (hybrid) with PLN for several customers, mainly manage by the intervention of UNG researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breastshot waterwheel is one solution for increasing the electrification ratio in remote areas. However, a feasibility study of the breastshot waterwheel in river conditions has not been conducted. This study tested the performance of the breastshot waterwheel in river conditions, which has a head of 0.26 m and discharge rate of 0.09708 m³ /s. Mechanical and electrical testing was conducted to determine the maximum efficiency that can be produced by this turbine. The mechanical test found the following results: a maximum power level of 112.6 W (45.5% efficiency), torque of 77.9 Nm and rotation of 13.8 rpm. The electrical test produced 11.38 W of electric power (4.6% efficiency) with a voltage of 34.48 V and current of 0.33 A. Based on the test results, the breastshot waterwheel may be used as an independent power plant in remote areas due to its efficiency. In addition, the study results reveal that this turbine is not significantly affected by the garbage (household waste) in the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every country in the world has to be ready in time to deal with extraordinary crisis situations. One of the primary approaches is to have a good knowledge of the threats, which can cut off technical operational equipment of the infrastructure or significantly limit their functionality. Due to the fact, that most structures of the technical infrastructure are currently on an international scale, it is necessary to deal with these crisis events, e.g. in EU countries, by way of mutually accepted legislation and methodical risk elimination procedures. In particular the electrification systems, natural gas distribution systems, drinking water sources and their distribution systems, including wastewater removal and treatment facilities may be considered as the technical infrastructure determining the operability of the general infrastructure of cities, municipalities and the housing stock of these built-up areas. These and other facilities are not only conditions of the sustainable environment of the human population, but also potential sources of serious accidents and subsequent crisis situations. The following article outlines the ways and means by which a maximally successful result can be achieved during crisis planning, if an equivalent amount of effort and economic costs are expended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As reported in the report of the European Commission, Directorate General for Communication, Information for Citizens on Transport Policy [1], the solutions to reduce non renewable primary energy resources consumption and global emissions in the automotive sector are the use of alternative fuels (in particular the use of more clean fossil fuels and biofuels), and new traction systems. The short, medium and long term solutions go towards a progressive electrification of the vehicle towards fully electric vehicles, type BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). In this context, the hybrid powertrain (HEV - Hybrid Electric Vehicle) represents an evolution of conventional traction systems destined to become increasingly electric. The work presents, through a WTW (Well To Wheel) analysis, the comparison between powertrains with increasing electrification levels: from conventional to pure electric through hybrid. For the type of powertrains considered, the consumption of non-renewable primary energy and CO2 emissions are calculated and compared, based on experimental data on consumption and efficiency of the following vehicles: Toyota Yaris 1500 Petrol, Toyota Auris Diesel (conventional), Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Toyota Prius (HEV) and Nissan Leaf (BEV). Non-renewable primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions have been calculated under real usage conditions; the data were acquired in a road acquisition campaign in Rome on urban, extra-urban and highway routes for a total of 5,400 km and 197 hours of road acquisitions. The results show how the hybrid powertrain achieves significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the conventional powertrain (petrol and diesel). On urban traffic-intensive routes (average speed up to 30 km/h) consumption and emissions are reduced by more than half and are still relevant even on extra-urban routes with average speeds of up to 80 km/h. For higher average speeds (highway, over 100 km/h) consumption and yields tend to be similar. Consumption and emissions of electric powertrains, potentially for consumption and zero emissions, are closely linked to the methods of production and distribution of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to satisfy the increasingly restrictive EU norms on air pollutant emissions, most of the world-leading passenger car manufacturers are currently forced to apply different engine electrification solutions to a large part of their model portfolio, ranging from Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MEHVs) to Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). Nonetheless, the effcient design of the thermal engine part still plays a fundamental role in the overall fuel consumption and polluting emissions reduction. Both gasoline-fueled and diesel-fueled modern engines rely on finely tuned direct fuel injection strategies, in order to simultaneously optimize primary energy consumption and particulate matter and/or gaseous emissions. Therefore, it is of foremost importance to develop robust and reliable multidimensional numerical tools, to support engineers during the injection system design and testing processes. In that sense, turbulence modeling is a key point for the accurate description of fuel spray evolution and mixture formation, due to the very high injection pressures (in diesel-fueled engines) or the complex spray patterns and severe flow cyclic variability (in downsized, turbocharged, gasoline-fueled engines). In the present paper, we evaluate the usage of hybrid URANS/LES turbulence modeling techniques for fuel spray simulation, based on the current scientific literature on this topic and on some recent computational studies from the authors. Aspects such as the comparison with URANS and standard LES models are discussed, and strengths and weaknessess of the analyzed hybrid approaches are pointed out. The authors assume that this work could pave the way for further debates on the potential vs. actual benefits of mixing statistically-derived (URANS) and scale-resolving (LES) turbulence modeling options for engine flow simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the world is in the historical transformation period of global cooperation, sharing and integration, and driving a new era of electrification level. The energy structure is accelerating to evolve toward low carbon and the level of cleanliness of energy supply and consumption has increased significantly. Energy efficiency continues to increase. As is known to all that energy transformation is a social system engineering, whose fundamental task is to build a clean, low-carbon new energy system. The fundamental way is re-electrification. As a new concept, re-electrification has not yet obtained a lot of research results, and has not received extensive attention from foreign scholars. In this paper, electrification-related technologies were identified and screened, a re-electrification technology selection model was built based on DEMATEL method, which has certain significance for the subsequent advancement of re-electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the period of transition, the outcomes of the economic policy of Serbia were less than satisfactory, especially knowing the potentials of Serbian economy. It is seen in low GDP per capita, high unemployment rate, foreign trade deficit and consequently low living standards. The adoption and implementation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy means that Serbia is obliged to apply the principles and requirements of sustainable development, which includes economic aspects of development as well as social and environmental aspects. In the transition period, the agriculture sector lost its major agriculture and food systems as well as agricultural cooperatives, which used to be the key actors of development. The Agriculture development strategy for 2014-2024 is based on modern management system of public administration, in accordance with the EU Rural Development Policy. It is supposed to provide adequate solutions to national and foreign challenges and to ensure that agriculture becomes efficient and highly competitive sector that will significantly contribute to the overall agricultural development of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-power single-phase induction generator is one type of generator that suitable for power generation in rural areas. Single-phase induction generator has two windings, the main winding and auxiliary winding. The main winding usually has a larger cross-sectional area, while the auxiliary winding has a smaller crosssectional area. In this paper, the effect of excitation capacitors connected to the main or auxiliary winding was investigated. The capacitors were used as an exciter for self-excited induction generator. The induction generator used in this investigation has been built using a machine originally designed as a motor. The specification of this motor is 220 volt, 1 HP, 50 Hz, and 6 poles. It was intended for low-power applications such as in rural electrification. The no-load test results showed that the higher voltage would be generated when the capacitors were connected to the main winding. The no-load voltage changed from 211.4 to 220 volt when the capacitors were connected to the main winding. The voltage of 156.4 to 159.7 volt would be generated when the generator was excited on auxiliary winding. When it was loaded, the voltage and frequency of induction generator decrease linearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than one billion people are living in energy-deprived rural areas of the world with little or no access to basic energy and other needs. Many in the past have discussed development of energyresources- poor remote rural areas of the world. Rural electrification was the first major effort undertaken globally. Recently, IEEE Smart Village has drawn attention for its initiative towards rural electrification. The objective of IEEE smart village is to integrate sustainable electricity, education and entrepreneurial solutions to empower off-grid communities. In 2016, Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (SIRES) was proposed to "energize" the off-grid rural areas and not just "electrify" them. It is a viable and effective strategy to provide basic needs such as biogas for cooking, electricity, water for domestic and irrigation purposes by smartly matching them to available resources. In this paper, a comparison is made between the two approaches for off-grid rural communities based on fundamental principles, working mechanisms and other aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zambia like most Sub-Saharan countries grapples with low electrification rates especially in rural areas. Currently, rural electrification rates in Zambia stand at 8% (4.4% and 7.4% on-grid and solar respectively) and the country has a universal access to electricity Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of attaining 51% rural electrification rate by 2030. The country has been advancing various renewable energy technologies, upscaling hydro power plants as well as subsidy-based electrification programs in selected areas. However, the electrification rate remains low. Further, with the shift in Government policy to remove subsidies in the energy sector, there was need to ascertain what influence the connection fee subsidies had on sustainable rural electrification in line with meeting the set universal access to electricity target. Therefore, the research conducted an analysis of connection fee subsidies on sustainable rural electrification with a focus on Chibombo district where the connection fee subsidy mechanism was implemented under the Electricity Services Access Project (ESAP). The study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach for data collection. Quantitative data was attained via the administration of research questionnaires with closed-ended questions while qualitative data was attained via semi-structured interviews with experienced experts in the electricity sub-sector. The study found that 938 beneficiaries had been connected under the subsidy mechanism of the ESAP project which was almost three-fold the initial target of 385 beneficiaries. The study further applied descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data. Through correlation analysis, the study established a statistically significant positive correlation between connection fee subsidy and increase in electricity connections and sustainable electricity consumption levels. Further, the study found a negative correlation between high connection cost and rural electrification rates. The study also identified critical success factors for sustainable rural electrification which included: economic sustainability, social-cultural sustainability, institutional capacity and environmental sustainability. Thereafter, the study developed a sustainability framework for rural electrification by integrating the critical success factors with sustainable rural electrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the integration of three renewable resources: biogas, wind energy and solar energy, utilizing solar PV panels, a biogas generator, and a wind turbine, respectively, to analyze the technical and economic challenges of a hybrid micro-gird. The integration of these sources have been analyzed to find out the optimized combination based on the efficiency and the minimum cost of electricity (COE). Wind and solar energy are considered as the primary sources of power generation during off-peak hours, and any excess power is used to charge a battery bank. During peak hours, biogas generators produce power to support the additional demand. A business strategy to implement the integrated optimized system in rural areas is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid depletion of fossil fuel has forced mankind to look into alternative fuel resources. In this context, biomass based power generation employing gas turbine appears to be a popular choice. Bio-gasification based combined cycle provides a feasible solution as far as grid-independent power generation is concerned for rural electrification projects. Indirectly heated gas turbine cycles are promising alternatives as they avoid downstream gas cleaning systems. Advanced thermodynamic cycles have become an interesting area of study to improve plant efficiency. Water injected system is one of the most attractive options in this field of applications. This paper presents a theoretical model of a biomass gasification based combined cycle that employs an indirectly heated humid air turbine (HAT) in the topping cycle. Maximum overall electrical efficiency is found to be around 41%. Gas turbine specific air consumption by mass is minimum when pressure ratio is 6. The study reveals that, incorporation of the humidification process helps to improve the overall performance of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the methods for reaching rural citizens of all ages to communicate information regarding solar power and sustainability. In the Ozarks, citizens are genuinely interested in solar power but may not trust the technology intially, perhaps they are cost conscious or perhaps they may not have direct access to reliable, detailed information on the subject. In many cases, these individuals still lack access to the Internet. Big solar providers tend to be located in major cities and it's often troublesome for rural families to travel regularly to these hubs. I explore techniques for reaching this demographic with greater ease. I draw from personal experience and have analyzed approaches from within the small town of Rolla, Missouri. More specifically, I have analyzed the role Missouri University of Science and Technology has played in getting complex topics like solar power to the general populace. Often, the target population are of a lower income tax bracket and big solar companies may discredit the rural population for that reason. Methods for reaching these individuals must be encouraged and well understood. The future is the sun, but we must not forget citizens in hard to reach areas. If one listens to the community, more often than not, they are willing to take the risk of a small array but require a different approach of spreading the word about solar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than one billion people are living in energy-deprived rural areas of the world with little or no access to basic energy and other needs. Recently, Gates Foundation released its annual newsletter authored by Bill and Melinda Gates that advocates sustainable development for poor. It states that "TIME" and "ENERGY" are the two superpowers they wish they could possess. Bill Gates talks about energy (as in electricity) for the poor whereas Melinda Gates talks about time utilized by women to do unpaid work. In this work, a Smart Integrated Renewable Energy System, or in short "SIRES", is proposed to provide "energy" and save "time" for people living in remote rural areas. SIRES "energizes" the rural areas and not just "electrify" them. It is a viable and effective strategy to provide basic needs such as biogas for cooking, water for domestic and irrigation purposes and electrical energy for lighting, communication, cold storage, educational and small- scale industrial purposes, by smartly matching them to available resources. It is found that cost of implementing SIRES is lower than other approaches to rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the research paper "Framework for Experimental Learning: Replicable Business Models in Rural Electrification" by Kenneth Hole et al. is presented.

Solar energy resources are the highest in rural desert areas in Oman so that Photovoltaic (PV) system could represent a suitable choice for electricity generation as standalone power system. In this research a 9 kW solar PV system have been designed to supply health clinic in Oman. The average daily load demand is 24.307 kWh/day and details loads are listed. The energy that is generated by the PV system has been estimated using real weather data for Sohar-Oman. Basic principles of designing a quality PV system have been used to design the system. HOMER software is used to analysis and estimate the life cycle of the PV system. The cost of PV system energy is calculated with different sizes for PV, battery and converter. The results indicate that the solar energy utilization is an attractive option with initial cost, net present cost of the system, and energy cost are 96,470 $, 3046 $/year and 0.418 $/kWh, respectively, in comparison with diesel generator operating cost 0.558 $/kWh. We conclude that using the PV system for these types of applications in Oman is justified on technical and economic grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rural locations, where the national power grid is not available, pico hydropower (<5kW) is typically used in stand-alone configurations, with one unit supplying a single house or a small community. This paper investigates the interconnection of several off-grid pico-hydro generation units with differing power ratings and unequal distances from the load. Each unit is identical, employing a single-phase power electronic converter interface, which comprises a rectifier, a DC-DC converter, and a single-phase inverter. There is no communication between the units, each unit using local measurements to control its output with the ability to form and support an off-grid network. The inverter regulates the output voltage and frequency using droop control. The output impedance is fixed using a virtual resistance, decoupling the droop equations. The voltage control loop has addition harmonic loops to improve voltage quality. The droop coefficients and virtual resistance are adjusted according to the power available at the turbine to ensure that the power sharing is proportional to the available turbine power. Experimental results show that the harmonic voltage control loops improve the voltage quality significantly, with the total harmonic distortion reducing from 9.53% to 1.93% when a non-linear load is connected to a single inverter. The transient response of two parallel inverters to the switching in of a non-linear load, and the response of the power sharing ratio to the hydraulic head at one turbine unit being reduced are demonstrated and shown to be stable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

While many projects address technological innovations in addressing the situation of energy poverty, which has nearly 1.5 billion people with no access to the electric grid, addressing the scale necessary to achieve universal electricity access by the UN targeted date of 2030 remains a significant and often unexamined challenge. A review of the scope of the challenge, as well as major initiatives such as those arising from the UN's declaration of 2012 as the “Year of Sustainable Energy for All,” or the 2013, US led “Power Africa” are systematically presented. Comparisons between more developed efforts in Asia, which have already achieved significant scale, with those just beginning in Africa are examined, as Sub Saharan Africa is shown to be the most challenging obstacle to reaching universal electrification. Particular relevance is thus made for the sustainable business model and expected scope of the IEEE Community Solutions Initiative particularly in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Microgrid technology enables reliable control and distribution of electricity on a small scale which can have a major impact on developing communities and can help to meet the UN's initiative to provide Universal Access to Modern Energy Services by 2030. Since the distributed energy resources (DER) of microgrids in rural areas will likely be dependent on renewable energy sources (RES), system stability and reliability will be a challenge. However, implementing a microgrid without proper experimentation of the dynamics of the DER and load variations is impractical. A microgrid test bench has been constructed at the University of Wisconsin - Madison which will allow for thorough experimentation. The experimentation will focus on RES using the wind turbine and solar emulator available in the lab. Additionally, other appropriate technologies that were developed at UW-Madison, like the recycled E-waste “Microformer” for micropower distribution, will be evaluated. Experimentation will justify the implementation of microgrid technologies for reliable energy distribution for the developing world and rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Advantages and challenges of an integrated approach to energy for development are presented through the Malawi Renewable Energy Acceleration Programme (MREAP) within context of the development of the Malawian energy sector. Initial indications suggest synergies exist between sub-programs of work that would otherwise be less likely to occur in non-integrated programs. Likewise, additional challenges such as coordination and management are required to realize the potential benefits. This paper presents a survey of the Malawian energy sector, an energy for development research framework and a programmatic outcome strategy designed for MREAP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

South Africa is Africa's leading economy and yet in recent years, its steady growth has been restricted by energy crisis resulting from underinvestment and inadequate planning. This crisis coincides with the existing issue that over 3 million South African households are not connected to the national grid. Rural electrification by means of microsources (MS) and distributed generation through a microgrid (MG) approach presents itself as an attractive solution. This paper reviews the researches involving the models of MG implementation, future grid integration, and discusses the technical challenges involving rural electrification through MG. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the optimization of the electricity grid network in rural community of Chegutu district, in Zimbabwe. The Kruskal's algorithm is used to minimize the total distance of the network connections, thus optimise resources for carrying out projects. Rural Electrification Agency has been failing to meet their targets for extension of the electricity grid network because of shortage of resources and input capital, thus this research adopts the idea of network optimization as a way of saving resources so that they can be used for other projects. The optimisation process shows that a total of 74km of 11kV power line could be saved from the network. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]