Economic and Environmental Assessment of Smart Distributed Power Systems in India for Emission Reductions

Abstract

As the global warming is increasing day by day, distributed generation based on renewable energy will play a major role in the production of electricity. Renewable energy sources are considered as the most viable alternative energy sources to be used in the place of conventional fossil fuels. Microgrids are the fundamental elements in future smart grid distributed generation systems. This paper illustrates various options for supply of electric power from renewable sources along with storage units and main grid to different types of loads. The sizing of the distribution system and the economic analysis were performed using Homer, computer software designed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado, United States in 1993. This paper will analyze the Cost of Energy (COE) and Net Present Cost (NPC) for various loads and the system configuration with minimal COE and NPC is considered as the optimal solution for each type of load while reducing the emissions.