Microgrids: the panacea for

country’s power crises.

sumit raturi.

Dept. of electrical engg.

Thdc institute of hydropower engg & tech.

Microgrid : an introduction.

• A microgrid is a group of

interconnected loads and

distributed energy resources

within clearly defined

electrical boundaries that

acts as a single controllable

entity with respect to the

grid. If desired a microgrid

can connect and disconnect

from the grid to enable it to

operate in both grid-

connected or island-mode.

Classification of microgrids.

i) Large grid connected

microgrids.

ii) Small grid connected

microgrids.

iii) Large remote microgrids.

iv) Small remote microgrids.

Architecture of microgrids.

A microgrid consists of

following components.

i) main substation.

ii) smart meters.

iii) storage devices.

iv) Distributed resources.

v) Cogeneration systems.

Modes of operation .

Grid connected mode.

in this mode the microgrid works in

integration with macro grid.

The two grids are connected at the

pcc with the help of either a ckt

breaker or a static switch or a

power electronic interface.

Island mode .

In this the microgrid works

alone on its own resources

either intentionally or due

to failure of main grid.

however special attention is

required when transition

takes place from one to other

mode due to transients.

importance & benefits .

• It enables modernization of

the grids.

• It enhances the integration

and the usage of distributed

and renewable energy

resources.

• It meets up with the end

user needs.

• It provides support and

backup for main grid.

Economic issues & constraints.

• Installation requires huge investment and research.

• Transition from grid connected to isolated

mode is a tricky job.

• Co-ordination of

distributed energy

resources is difficult.

• Requirement of public private partnership.

Deployment in India.• With a installed capacity of

253.4 GW India is the

fourth largest producer of

electricity.

• The high availability of

DERs and renewable

energy resources makes

microgrid a good choice.

• It can prove to be the

panacea for rural

electrification problems.

existing microgrid ventures.

• Sagar island microgrid project of( 200+450)Kw, in Sunderban, West Bengal.

• Husk power systems plant powered by rice husk in Champaran Bihar.

• Other firms such as naturetech infra, minda nextgen tech, gram oorga etc have installed projects in UP & Bihar.

• SunEdision has also installed a miniproject but plans to install much bigger units.

Case study : husk power systems.

• In 2007 Husk power system led

by Gyanesh Pandey(CEO)

started a rice husk powered

microgrid in tamkuha Bihar

with help of MNRE.

• Provides electricity for 2 lights

& a mobile charger at 100 rs

pm to a family.

• The biomass gasification system

that Husk uses is a 32 kW system

that can electrify larger villages

(about 500-700 households).

Future aspects : the road ahead.

• once the technological and financial probs. are addressed they will solve most of the grotesque crises.

• Latest technologies such as smart grids, nano batteries, fuel cells etc will help in advent of microgrids.

• Its just not a glimmer of hope but has an immense potential to provide continuous electricity to over 300 mn unprivileged Indians.

Queries ?