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Optimizing PV Microgrid Isolated Electrification Projects—A Case Study in Ecuador

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  • Bruno Domenech

    (Supply Chain and Operations Management Research Group, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Management, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Laia Ferrer-Martí

    (Supply Chain and Operations Management Research Group, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Facundo García

    (Catalan Association of Engineering Without Borders, 08027 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Georgina Hidalgo

    (Catalan Association of Engineering Without Borders, 08027 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Rafael Pastor

    (Supply Chain and Operations Management Research Group, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Management, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Antonin Ponsich

    (Supply Chain and Operations Management Research Group, Escola Tècnica Superior d’Enginyeria Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
    Department of Management, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, 08028 Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

Access to electricity for the rural and indigenous population of Ecuador’s Amazon Region (RAE) is considered a critical issue by the national authorities. The RAE is an isolated zone with communities scattered throughout the rainforest, where the expansion of the national grid is not a viable option. Therefore, autonomous electrification systems based on solar energy constitute an important solution, allowing the development of indigenous populations. This work proposes a tool for the design of stand-alone rural electrification systems based on photovoltaic technologies, including both microgrid or individual supply configurations. This tool is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming model including economic, technical and social aspects. This approach is used to design electrification systems (equipment location and sizing, microgrid configurations) in three real communities of the RAE. The results highlight the benefits of the developed tool and provide guidelines regarding RAE’s electrification.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruno Domenech & Laia Ferrer-Martí & Facundo García & Georgina Hidalgo & Rafael Pastor & Antonin Ponsich, 2022. "Optimizing PV Microgrid Isolated Electrification Projects—A Case Study in Ecuador," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmathe:v:10:y:2022:i:8:p:1226-:d:789893
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Antonin Ponsich & Bruno Domenech & Mariona Vilà, 2023. "Preface to the Special Issue “Mathematical Optimization and Evolutionary Algorithms with Applications”," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-6, May.
    2. Marvin Lema & Wilson Pavon & Leony Ortiz & Ama Baduba Asiedu-Asante & Silvio Simani, 2022. "Controller Coordination Strategy for DC Microgrid Using Distributed Predictive Control Improving Voltage Stability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Wenshuai Bai & Dian Wang & Zhongquan Miao & Xiaorong Sun & Jiabin Yu & Jiping Xu & Yuqing Pan, 2023. "The Design and Application of Microgrid Supervisory System for Commercial Buildings Considering Dynamic Converter Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Upasana Lakhina & Irraivan Elamvazuthi & Nasreen Badruddin & Ajay Jangra & Bao-Huy Truong & Joseph M. Guerrero, 2023. "A Cost-Effective Multi-Verse Optimization Algorithm for Efficient Power Generation in a Microgrid," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-25, April.

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