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Technical Aspects of Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification

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Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Abstract

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.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    These examples are given for illustration purposes only. This is not, in any way, an endorsement of these products.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK

    P. J. Boait

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  1. P. J. Boait
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Correspondence to P. J. Boait .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Subhes C. Bhattacharyya

  2. The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India

    Debajit Palit

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Boait, P.J. (2014). Technical Aspects of Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification. In: Bhattacharyya, S., Palit, D. (eds) Mini-Grids for Rural Electrification of Developing Countries. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04816-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04816-1_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-04815-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-04816-1

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