Growing requests for Mini ‐ Grid applications push Omron Inverter’s technology
Improving access to modern energy services in rural areas is a priority for many developing countries (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Argentina etc….), with more than 1.5 billion people worldwide without access to electricity. Around 80% of these people live in rural areas. According to International Energy Agency ‐ year 2009‐, the number of people without electricity by 2030 is likely to remain similar to the present day due to population growth.
These are reasons for growing request of Mini Grid Applications: local generators (diesel in most cases) able to satisfy power needs in rural areas, far from main power grid. By now hybrid mini‐ grids solutions, using multiple generation technologies, can improve reliability of power supply, save money for fossil fuel consumption and cost intensive logistics.
Combining diesel power generation with a PV plant is the most convenient solution, mainly in countries with favourable weather conditions and many days of sunlight during the year. PV hybrid solutions requests a plant controller working in conjunction with the Inverter, able to manage the need‐based photovoltaic feed‐in depending on load and generation‐profile. The Inverter, of course, need to stop supplying power when the load is not enough.
