An Analysis of Islanded Hybrid Microgrid Implementation Using Canals as Micro Hydro Power Source with Solar PV for Rural Areas of Pakistan

Abstract

Modern technological expansions and human reliance on it has made impossible for the existing infrastructure to fulfil electric power supplies. Besides human living standards are increasing day by day which upsurges per capita electric power consumption. Existing electric power infrastructure cannot be protracted anymore to achieve electric power requirements in the rural areas where it does not exist yet. On the other hand power generation using conventional means is not the preferred option due to its depletion and more significantly due to environmental cautions. To cater the demand of rural community, microgrid utilizing renewable energy resources is one of the viable options to overcome the identified problem. Special emphasis for the implementation of rural microgrids in Pakistan has been given in the paper. This paper deals with the proposed model of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and micro hydro based hybrid microgrid that can be implemented in the specific area. Paper presents the overview of technical and socioeconomic aspects that are noteworthy for the implementation of microgrids in rural areas of Pakistan. One of the site ideal for microgrid has been selected for the case study. Requirements like Demand side management, load forecasting and controls of renewable energy resource has been discussed for the implementation of microgrid in Punjab Pakistan.