Peter John Boait

Demand Management for Off-Grid Electricity Networks

For isolated mini-grids powered mainly or wholly by renewable energy-based generation, balancing electricity supply and demand is a considerable challenge. This chapter reviews the scope and practical methods for active demand management as part of the solution to this problem. It highlights the wide range of possible methods and their applicability and limitations for different mini-grid technologies and operating environments. The need for suitable tools to design and plan demand management schemes is identified.

Demand management for isolated mini-grids supplied by renewable generation

For isolated mini-grids powered by renewable generation, balancing electricity supply and demand is a considerable challenge. This paper reviews the scope and practical methods for active demand management as part of the solution to this problem. It highlights the wide range of possible methods and their applicability and limitations for different mini-grid technologies and operating environments. The need for suitable tools to design and plan demand management schemes is identified and initial results from applying agent-based modelling to a mini-grid operational issue are presented.

Technical Aspects of Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification

This chapter aims to provide an overview of the main technical options and decision points that arise when developing a plan for a rural mini-grid. It begins by considering the four potential sources of renewable energy—water, sun, wind and biomass. For each the relevant technologies and methods for quantifying the available resource are considered. Key options for the system architecture are then covered including the choice of AC or DC distribution, network topology, hybrid or single generator systems, and battery technology. Finally, the critical technical factors in system management are summarised.