Search Results (96)

Mining (1) operations in remote areas (2) face significant challenges related to energy supply, high fuel costs, and limited infrastructure. This study investigates the potential for achieving energy independence (3) and resilience (4) in such environments through the integration of renewable energy sources (5) and battery–electric mining equipment. Using the “Studena Vrila” underground bauxite mine as a case study, a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental analysis was conducted across three development models. These models explore incremental scenarios of solar and wind energy adoption combined with electrification of mobile machinery. The methodology includes calculating levelized cost of energy (LCOE), return on investment (ROI), and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions under each scenario. Results demonstrate that a full transition to RES and electric machinery can reduce diesel consumption by 100%, achieve annual savings of EUR 149,814, and cut GHG emissions by over 1.7 million kg CO₂-eq. While initial capital costs are high, all models yield a positive Net Present Value (NPV), confirming long-term economic viability. This research provides a replicable framework for decarbonizing mining operations in off-grid and infrastructure-limited regions. Full article

Off-grid and isolated rural communities in developing countries with limited resources require energy supplies for daily residential use and social, economic, and commercial activities. The use of data from space assets and space-based solar power is a feasible solution for addressing ground-based energy insecurity when harnessed in a hybrid manner. Advances in space solar power systems are recognized to be feasible sources of renewable energy. Their usefulness arises due to advances in satellite and space technology, making valuable space data available for smart grid design in these remote areas. In this case study, an isolated village in Namibia, characterized by high levels of solar irradiation and limited wind availability, is identified. Using NASA data, an autonomous hybrid system incorporating a solar photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, storage batteries, and a backup generator is designed. The local load profile, solar irradiation, and wind speed data were employed to ensure an accurate system model. Using HOMER Pro software V 3.14.2 for system simulation, a more advanced AI optimization was performed utilizing Grey Wolf Optimization and Harris Hawks Optimization, which are two metaheuristic algorithms. The results obtained show that the best performance was obtained with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. This method achieved a minimum energy cost of USD 0.268/kWh. This paper presents the results obtained and demonstrates that advanced optimization techniques can enhance both the hybrid system’s financial cost and energy production efficiency, contributing to a sustainable electricity supply regime in this isolated rural community. Full article

In the context of rapid urbanization in China, many farmers still live in areas far away from urban energy supply networks. To meet the multi-level energy demands of rural communities, this study proposes a combined heat, power, and electricity (CCHP) supply system that uses solar and biomass energy as inputs, tailored to the natural resources and climatic conditions of the northwestern region. A theoretical model of this system was established in Nanan Community, Wuwei City, and its dynamic performance throughout the year was simulated and analyzed using TRNSYS software. The system was also evaluated for its economic viability, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. The results show that compared with the original and traditional energy supply systems, the CCHP system achieves average primary energy saving rates of −9.87% and 41.52% during the heating season, annual cost savings of 50.35% and 64.19%, carbon dioxide emission reduction rates of 32.89% and 66.86%, and a dynamic investment payback period of 3.14 years. This study provides development ideas for constructing modern integrated energy systems in rural areas that are remote from urban energy supply networks and offers references for investors. Full article

In areas such as remote, rural, and mountainous regions, supplying low-voltage three-phase power has traditionally required distribution line extension and transformer installation. However, these areas often yield low electricity revenues, making cost recovery difficult for utilities. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a Single-to-Three-Phase Converter (STPC) capable of converting single-phase low-voltage input into three-phase output for use in low-voltage distribution systems. The STPC topology employs a single-phase half-bridge AC–DC stage and a three-phase full-bridge inverter stage using SiC-MOSFETs. To validate the system, simulations and experiments were conducted under various load conditions, including unbalanced, nonlinear, and motor loads. The results show that STPC maintains output stability while minimizing impact on the existing grid. The findings demonstrate STPC’s feasibility as an alternative to conventional line extension and transformer installation, with potential for application in grid-forming and low-voltage distribution current (LVDC) systems. Full article

Climate change has emerged as a significant driver of the increasing frequency and severity of power outages. Rising global temperatures place additional stress on electrical grids that must meet substantial electricity demands, while extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires frequently damage vulnerable electrical infrastructure. Ensuring the resilient operation of distribution systems under these conditions poses a major challenge. This paper presents a comprehensive two-stage techno-economic strategy to enhance the resilience of modern distribution systems. The approach optimizes the scheduling of distributed energy resources—including distributed generation (DG), wind turbines (WTs), battery energy storage systems (BESSs), and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—along with the strategic placement of remotely controlled switches. Key objectives include preventing damage propagation through the isolation of affected areas, maintaining power supply via islanding, and implementing prioritized load shedding during emergencies. Since improving resilience incurs additional costs, it is essential to strike a balance between resilience and economic factors. The performance of our two-stage multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming approach, which accounts for uncertainties in vulnerability modeling based on thresholds for line damage, market prices, and renewable energy sources, was evaluated using the IEEE 33-bus test system. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, highlighting its ability to improve resilience by enhancing system robustness, enabling faster recovery, and optimizing operational costs in response to high-impact low-probability (HILP) natural events. Full article

This study demonstrates that small-scale liquefied natural gas (SS LNG) is a viable and cost-effective alternative to High-Speed Diesel (HSD) for power generation in remote areas of Indonesia. An integrated supply chain model is developed to optimize total costs based on LNG inventory levels. The model minimizes transportation costs from supply depots to demand points and handling costs at receiving terminals, which utilize Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs). LNG distribution is optimized using a Multi-Depot Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (MDCVRP), formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem to reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and vessel rental expenses. The novelty of this research lies in its integrated cost optimization, combining transportation and handling within a model specifically adapted to Indonesia’s complex geography and infrastructure. The simulation involves four LNG plant supply nodes and 50 demand locations, serving a total demand of 15,528 m³/day across four clusters. The analysis estimates a total investment of USD 685.3 million, with a plant-gate LNG price of 10.35 to 11.28 USD/MMBTU at a 10 percent discount rate, representing a 55 to 60 percent cost reduction compared to HSD. These findings support the strategic deployment of SS LNG to expand affordable electricity access in remote and underserved regions. Full article

As global energy demand increases, ensuring a reliable electricity supply in rural or semi-remote areas remains a significant challenge. Hybrid energy systems, which integrate renewables, generators, storage, and grid connections, offer a promising solution for addressing energy reliability issues. In this context, the rural community of Aras de los Olmos, Spain, serves as the focal point because of its frequent power outages despite being connected to the main grid. This study investigates innovative solutions tailored to the community’s unique needs. It highlights critical challenges in achieving reliable energy access and bridges the gap between existing limitations and sustainable, future-oriented energy systems. This is achieved by analyzing the current energy setup and evaluating potential alternatives. Two scenarios were evaluated: one optimizing the existing configuration for economic efficiency while retaining the grid as the primary energy source, and another introducing a biomass generator to enhance reliability by partially replacing the grid. Detailed technical, financial, and environmental assessments were performed using HOMER. These assessments identified an optimal configuration. This optimal configuration improves reliability, enhances stability, reduces disruptions, and meets growing energy demands cost-effectively. As will be indicated, the first scenario can reduce total costs to approximately USD 90,000 compared to the existing setup, whereas the second scenario can lower grid dependence by approximately 70%. In addition, introducing renewable energy sources, such as solar and biomass, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, these solutions create local job opportunities, promote community engagement, support energy independence, and align with broader sustainability goals. Full article

One of the biggest challenges, both from a technical and economic point of view, of the Distribution Network Operators refers to identifying the locations (electric distribution substations) integrated into a supervisory, control, and acquisition (SCADA) system to perform on-site measurements used in the state estimation of the electric distribution networks (EDNs). In response to this challenge, a robust and resilient three-layer methodology has been proposed to solve the state estimate issue of the EDNs based on an optimal placement algorithm of the remote terminal units integrated into the SCADA system at the level of the EDSs. The first layer allows a clustering algorithm-based determination of the classes of the EDSs with similar features of the load profiles. The second layer identifies the “candidate” classes and decides the pilot EDSs with on-site SCADA measurements. The third layer allows the state estimation of the EDN based on the load values measured in the pilot EDEs. The framework was tested and validated using a medium voltage EDN of a Romanian DNO supplying an urban area. The results obtained highlighted that the accuracy had been ensured for on-site measurements in 12 of 39 EDSs (representing approximately 30% of EDSs integrated into the SCADA system), leading to a mean average percentage error of 2.6% for the load estimation and below 1% for the state variables determined by a power flow calculation at the level of the EDN. Consequently, the framework can significantly decrease the investments associated with integrating the SCADA system by the DNOs, with great benefits regarding the state estimation of the EDNs. Full article

Remote agricultural regions in desert areas, such as Ghardaïa in southern Algeria, face significant challenges in energy supply due to their isolated locations and harsh climatic conditions. Harnessing solar energy through photovoltaic (PV) systems offers a sustainable solution to these energy needs. This study aims to identify suitable areas for PV power installations in Ghardaïa, utilizing a geographic information system (GIS) combined with the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Various environmental, economic, and technical factors, such as solar radiation, land use, and proximity to infrastructure, are incorporated into the analysis to create a multi-criteria decision-making framework. The integration of fuzzy logic into AHP enables a more flexible evaluation of these factors. The results revealed the presence of ideal locations for installing photovoltaic stations, with 346,673.30 hectares identified as highly suitable, 977,606.84 hectares as very suitable, and 937,385.97 hectares as suitable. These areas are characterized by high levels of solar radiation and suitable infrastructure availability, contributing to reduced implementation costs and facilitating logistical operations. Additionally, the proximity of these locations to agricultural areas enhances the efficiency of electricity delivery to farmers. The study emphasizes the need for well-considered strategic planning to achieve sustainable development in remote rural areas. Full article

This study introduces a novel method for controlling an autonomous photovoltaic pumping system by integrating a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control scheme with variable structure Sliding Mode Control (SMC) alongside Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithms. The stability of the proposed SMC method is rigorously analyzed using Lyapunov’s theory. Through simulation-based comparisons, the efficacy of the SMC controller is demonstrated against traditional P&O methods. Additionally, the SMC-based system is experimentally implemented in real time using dSPACE DSP1104, showcasing its robustness in the presence of internal and external disturbances. Robustness tests reveal that the SMC controller effectively tracks Maximum Power Points (MMPs) despite significant variations in load and solar irradiation, maintaining optimal performance even under challenging conditions. The results indicate that the SMC system can achieve up to a 70% increase in water flow rates compared with systems without MPPT controllers. Furthermore, SMC demonstrated high sensitivity to sudden changes in environmental conditions, ensuring efficient power extraction from the photovoltaic panels. This study highlights the advantages of integrating SMC into Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (PV-WPSs), providing enhanced control capabilities and optimizing system performance. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable water supply solutions, particularly in remote areas with limited access to the electrical grid. Full article

The studies on strategies for improving restoration times in electrical distribution systems are extensive. They have theoretically explored the application of mathematical models, the implementation of remotely controlled systems, and the use of digital simulators. This research aims to connect conceptual studies and the implementation of improvements and impact assessment in electrical distribution systems in developing countries, where distribution technologies vary widely, by employing a comprehensive methodology. The proposed research examines the restoration times for faults in substations within general distribution networks in the central–western region of Mexico. The study comprises these stages: (a) diagnosing the electrical supply, demand, and infrastructure; (b) analyzing the electrical restoration time and the restoration index of the substations; and (c) providing recommendations and implementing pilot tests for improvements in the identified critical substations. The results revealed 12 analysis zones, including 120 distribution substations, 150 power transformers, and 751 medium voltage circuits. Among the substations, 73% have ring connections, 15% have TAP connections, and 12% have radial connections. Additionally, 27% of the substations rely on only a single distribution line. The study identified areas with significant challenges in restoring electricity supply, particularly focusing on power transformers: 32 transformers with permanent power line failures requiring load transfer via medium voltage; 67 transformers requiring optimized restoration maneuvers due to specific characteristics; and 4 areas with opportunities to enhance the reliability of the power supply through remote-controlled link systems. The analysis resulted in the installation of 145 remote link systems, which improved restoration rates by over 40%. This approach is expected to be replicated throughout Mexico to identify improvements needed in the national distribution system. Full article

Randomness and intermittency of renewable energy generation are inevitable impediments to the stable electricity supply of isolated energy systems in remote rural areas. This paper unveils a novel framework, the electric–hydrogen hybrid energy storage system (EH-HESS), as a promising solution for efficiently meeting the demands of intra-day and seasonal peak shaving. A hierarchical time discretization model is applied to achieve unified operation of hydrogen and electric energy storage to simplify the model. Furthermore, an operation strategy considering the energy interaction between ESSs is introduced, while an optimization model of hydrogen storage working interval within the state transition limit is designed to improve the utilization of hydrogen storage. Numerical tests are conducted to validate the approach, demonstrating that the proposed energy storage structure and operation strategy can effectively improve the utilization of energy storage and ensure the energy supply of the system, which will provide a reference for the sustainable operation of renewable energy systems in the future. Full article

The energy sector is the main source of greenhouse gases, so it has the highest potential for improvement. The improvements can be achieved by generating energy from renewable sources. It is necessary to combine production from renewable sources with storage systems. Thermal energy storage using concentrated solar power systems is a promising technology for dispatchable renewable energy that can guarantee a stable energy supply even in remote areas without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, it must be emphasised that greenhouse gases and other impacts can occur during the production process of concentrating solar system components. This paper analyses the receiver design to produce thermal energy for the existing CSP dish plant at the Energy Center of the Politecnico di Torino. The plant is designed to produce electrical energy in the spring and summer periods. In addition to this energy production, the CSP can be adopted to produce thermal energy, through hot water, during the less favourable periods of the year in terms of global solar radiation. The surface heat flux is calculated in the first part of the analysis to obtain the maximum internal temperature in the receiver, which is 873.7 °C. This value is a constraint for the choice of material for the solar receiver. A life cycle assessment is performed to compare the emissions generated during the production of the main components of the CSP system with the emissions generated by the methane-fuelled water heater to produce the same amount of thermal energy. It can be concluded that the production of the main components of the CSP system results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the operational phase of a conventional system. Given the assumptions made, the utilization of methane leads to the emission of approximately 12,240 kg of CO₂, whereas the production of the CSP system results in emissions totalling 5332.8 kg of CO₂ equivalent Full article

A comprehensive review of uncertainties in power systems, covering modeling, impact, and mitigation, is essential to understand and manage the challenges faced by the electric grid. Uncertainties in power systems can arise from various sources and can have significant implications for grid reliability, stability, and economic efficiency. Australia, susceptible to extreme weather such as wildfires and heavy rainfall, faces vulnerabilities in its power network assets. The decentralized distribution of population centers poses economic challenges in supplying power to remote areas, which is a crucial consideration for the emerging technologies emphasized in this paper. In addition, the evolution of modern power grids, facilitated by deploying the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), has also brought new challenges to the system due to the risk of cyber-attacks via communication links. However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive review and analysis of uncertainties in modern power systems, encompassing uncertainties related to weather events, cyber-attacks, and asset management, as well as the advantages and limitations of various mitigation approaches. To fill this void, this review covers a broad spectrum of uncertainties considering their impacts on the power system and explores conventional robust control as well as modern probabilistic and data-driven approaches for modeling and correlating the uncertainty events to the state of the grid for optimal decision making. This article also investigates the development of robust and scenario-based operations, control technologies for microgrids (MGs) and energy storage systems (ESSs), and demand-side frequency control ancillary service (D-FCAS) and reserve provision for frequency regulation to ensure a design of uncertainty-tolerance power system. This review delves into the trade-offs linked with the implementation of mitigation strategies, such as reliability, computational speed, and economic efficiency. It also explores how these strategies may influence the planning and operation of future power grids. Full article

As climate changes intensify the frequency of severe outages, the resilience of electricity supply systems becomes a major concern. In order to simultaneously combat the climate problems and ensure electricity supply in isolated areas, renewable energy sources (RES) have been widely implemented in recent years. However, without the use of energy storage, they show low reliability due to their intermittent output. Therefore, this article proposes a methodology to achieve the optimal sizing of an energy storage system (ESS) to ensure predefined periods of safe operation for an ensemble consisting of multiple loads, renewable energy sources and controllable generators, located in a remote microgrid. In this regard, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model has been proposed to reduce the outages impact of critical loads by calculating the optimal ESS capacity and defining the proper resources management within the off-grid microgrid, while ensuring a cost-effective operation of its components. Full article