Design and Development of Cost-Effective Solar PV Based DC Microgrid for Rural Applications

To provide quality and reliable energy demand Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are integrated with conventional AC grid. However, many challenges can arise while interfacing the renewable energy sources with AC grid. Recent research has proved that the establishment of smart grids with integration of utility grid and renewable sources can provide highly reliable and more competent power system in the cost-effective manner. In India there are many rural areas which have limited supply of electricity. For such location DC microgrid is an attractive and effective technology because of its easy interfacing with renewable sources, utility grid, DC loads and battery storage system. Also, DC grid is proved to be much better over AC grid. This paper describes the implementation of DC microgrid technology for rural electrification that covers solar photovoltaic (PV), AC interfaces, system architecture and energy storage system. The system is purely considered for rural remote locations with or without AC grid. The loads are considered as LED lights, and DC operated Fan. The different switching conditions are considered with load, PV, battery and utility grid. The system is simulated by using MATLAB/Simulink and comprehensive analysis is provided to show the efficiency of the system. Also, the paper provides advantages and challenges of using DC microgrid technology in rural electrification.