The Local Reference Electrification Model : comprehensive decision-making tool for the design of rural microgrids
Name
959238177-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
15.71 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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Author(s)
Li, Vivian, S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Advisor(s)
Jose Ignacio Pérez-Arriaga and Claudio Vergara.
Alternative Title
LERM comprehensive decision-making tool for the design of rural microgrids
Date Issued
2016
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Current estimates indicate that an alarming 1 billion existing people still lack access to electricity around the world. Technological advancements have pushed off-grid solutions into the limelight as possible alternatives to the traditional method of electrification via extension of the centralized grid. When grid reliability is poor, the community is remote, or when the arrival of the grid is undetermined, off-grid systems may be suitable substitutes for traditional grid extension efforts. Nonetheless, severe resource constraints, the scale of planning, and the choice between electrification modes create a complicated environment under which planners in the developing world must devise electrification plans and relevant policies. This thesis demonstrates how computational tools can provide value to rural electrification planning. The Reference Electrification Model (REM) assists planners by identifying optimal regions for grid extension projects and off-grid solutions, along with technical design and associated financial metrics. In particular, this thesis focuses on the discussion of the Local Reference Electrification Model (LREM), an adaption of REM to localized electrification design. LREM is a comprehensive, decision-making tool that produces detailed generation and network designs for a singular microgrid system. It contributes to the electrification effort by providing the quantitative basis with which to explore financial, technical, and performance implications of various factors in microgrid design. In doing so, LREM improves the microgrid designs relied upon by REM in its regional planning decisions. This research emphasizes the ability for computational tools such as REM and LREM to assist in developing viable policies and regulations, as well as feasible designs and plans to accelerate electricity access globally.
Description
Thesis: S.M. in Technology and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Technology and Policy Program, 2016.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 97-98).
Subjects
Institute for Data, Systems, and Society.
Engineering Systems Division.
Technology and Policy Program.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
Technology and Policy Program
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