A Novel Methodological Framework for the Design of Sustainable Rural Microgrid for Developing Nations

Sustainable electrification planning for remote locations especially in developing countries is very complex in nature while considering different traits such as social, economic, technical, and environmental. To address these issues related to current energy needs depending upon the end user requirements, a coherent, translucent, efficient, and rational energy planning framework has to be identified. This paper presents a comprehensive generalized methodological framework based on the synergies of decision analysis and optimization models for the design of a reliable, robust, and economic microgrid system based on locally available resources for rural communities in developing nations. The framework consists of three different stages. First, decision analysis considering various criterions (technical, social, economic, and environmental) for the selection of suitable energy alternative for designing the microgrid considering multiple scenarios are carried out. Second, the optimal sizing of the various energy resources in different microgrid structures is illustrated. Third, hybrid decision analysis methods are used for selection of the best sustainable microgrid energy system. Finally, the framework presented is then utilized for the design of a sustainable rural microgrid for a remote community located in the Himalayas in India to illustrate its effectiveness. The results obtained show that decision analysis tools provide a real-time solution for rural electrification by binding the synergy between various criteria considering different scenarios. The feasibility analysis using proposed multiyear scalable approach shows its competence not only in determining the suitable size of the microgrid, but also by reducing the net present cost and the cost of electricity significantly.