Techno Economic Analysis of Containerized MG Solution for Rural Electrification in Malawi
This master's thesis investigates the design and optimization of a solar photovoltaic (PV) Mini-Grid (MG) system for rural electrification in Malawi. The project is designed to address the significant energy access challenges in rural communities across Malawi, where electrification rates are e...
| Autor: | |
|---|---|
| Formato: | tesis de maestría |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/425594 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/425594 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palavra-chave: | Photovoltaic power generation--Malawi Energia solar fotovoltaica--Malawi Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Desenvolupament humà i sostenible::Desenvolupament sostenible::Energia i sostenibilitat |
| Resumo: | This master's thesis investigates the design and optimization of a solar photovoltaic (PV) Mini-Grid (MG) system for rural electrification in Malawi. The project is designed to address the significant energy access challenges in rural communities across Malawi, where electrification rates are extremely low. It is fully aligned with Malawi's National Energy Policy and Vision 2063, which have been developed by the Government of Malawi (GOM) to promote inclusive and sustainable growth throughout the country. A comprehensive Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) methodology was employed in this study. Simulation tools such as PV*SOL were used for the PV system design, and AutoCAD was utilized to develop the technical system layout within a 20-foot containerized technical room. The design also included an air conditioning (AC) sizing to maintain optimal temperatures for the battery energy storage system (BESS) to ensure both performance efficiency and an extended battery lifespan. Economic parameters considered in the analysis included capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), net present value (NPV), and the internal rate of return (IRR). These parameters helped evaluate the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the system. Key findings demonstrate that the proposed MG system effectively meets the energy demands of households, businesses and other critical infrastructures in the community. The system incorporates battery energy storage and advanced Battery management systems to ensure a stable and continuous power supply. The study also explored optimal tariff models, emphasizing the importance of government policies, grants, and financial viability to enhance the project's long-term sustainability. A review of failed MG projects in Malawi and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) revealed issues such as inadequate tariff setting, poor maintenance, and lack of community engagement. To address these challenges, standardized tariff models were implemented to keep energy prices affordable for consumers which ensured the MG's financial viability. This approach aims to improve the success of the Mwasambe MG project and provide a replicable model for other rural electrification initiatives in Malawi and beyond |
|---|