Research Article

Standalone and Minigrid-Connected Solar Energy Systems for Rural Application in Rwanda: An In Situ Study

Table 1

Summary of comparative analysis based on standalone, microgrid, on-grid, and off-grid results.

S. no.Authors & referencesYearLocationAdopted technologiesLoad typeConsumption typeMethodObjectives

1.M.K Deshmukh, Athokpam Bharatbushan Singh [23]2018StandaloneStreet lightingElectricalHOMERThe objective is to quantitatively estimate energy losses due to the standalone operation mode
2.U Subramaniam et al. [24]2020On-grid and off-gridVillages, islands, and hilly areasElectricalHybrid PV battery with controllerThe current method can work in various operating modes, and during transient and steady-state situations. With both off-grid and on-grid situations, the suggested power management controls were approved.
3.C Marino et al. [25]2020ItalyStandalone photovoltaicResidential userElectricalComparative analysis of the costs of a standalone and a grid-networked PV system vs. grid distanceThe study looked at the economics of an islanded PV project with two configurations that measure diminishing self-sufficiency.
4.MH Mohamed Hariri et al. [26]2020Grid-connectedVillages, islandsElectricalGrid synchronization and islanding detection methodsThis review highlights the recent development of systems for generating grid-connected PV (GPV) involving many sub-components, like DC-DC converters, PV modules, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), and inverter technologies
5.FA Alturki, EM Awwad [27]2020Saudi ArabiaStandaloneRemote communityElectricalHybrid photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbine (WT)/biomass/pump hydro/storageThe aim was sizing and price reduction of islanded hybrid WT/PV/biomass/pump-hydro storage-energy systems
6.T Wu et al. [28]2020Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalSalp swarm algorithm (SSA).This study provides a new approach to maximizing the scale of grid-connected renewable energy sources integrated with the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) pumped storage system. This method enables different energy sources to be explored and their combination to contact the base in the optimum configuration of the hybrid system
7.BE Türkay, AYTelli renewable energy [29]2011TurkeyStandalone and grid-connectedPilot areaElectricalHOMERThe research explores the viability of using wind and solar energy. Using hydrogen as storage in combination with traditional grid-based electricity to fulfill the electricity needs of the pilot area
8.D Mazzeo et al. [30]2020KoppenStandalone and grid-connectedOffice building district.ElectricalHybrid renewable systemThe goal of this work is to bridge the absence of direct comparisons between the technoeconomic output of islanded and grid-networked investigations in the same operating environment, providing global technoeconomic mapping, and optimizing islanded and grid-networked PV-wind systems
9.A Chakir et al. [31]2019Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalMATLAB/SimulinkThe research focused on the grid-connected development system’s management, connection with the grid, and storage hybrid renewable energy system’s management
10.R Srivastava et al. [32]2020Standalone and grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalReviewThe various cases were examined based on their location, design and year of development, as well as the power, the technology used, and performance that can help design a PV plant considering the achievements of the previously commissioned plant. The material of the PV module and panel tilt angle was found to be crucial for the design of a PV plant
11.AC Duman, Ö Güler [33]2020TurkeyGrid-connectedLoad servingElectricalHOMERThe study focused on a cost-benefit analysis of grid-affiliated rooftop PV systems for private use. There was the suggestion to increase the number of private PV incentives and cultivate a regional support system, considering solar differences among regions
12.HM Ridha et al. [34]2020Standalone photovoltaicRemote areasElectricalReviewThe purpose of the research was to provide a thorough analysis of the recent progress in the design of standalone PV systems. Multiobjective optimization (MOO) and multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies, including the mathematical models used to measure the PV module power output and storage battery
13.MJ Mayer et al. [35]2019Hungarian regionGrid-connectedLoad servingElectrical useMathematical modelGrid-connected, ground-mounted technoeconomic optimization of genetic algorithm-based photovoltaic power plants on a comprehensive mathematical model. The target function is the internal rate of return and a genetic algorithm performs the optimization
14.HA Kazem et al. [36]2020OmanGrid-connectedLoad managementElectricalX-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF)Dust is one major parameter affecting photovoltaic efficiency, yield, and profitability linked to the grid. The proposed model in the paper took account of the dust on the grid-affiliated photovoltaic output power innovatively
15.E Aykut, ÜK Terzi [37]2020Marmara University, TurkeyGrid-connected hybridLoad servingElectricalHOMERThe research focused on technology, cost-benefit, and environmental analyses of grid-affiliated hybrid wind/PV/biomass systems, Marmara University, Goztepe campus. The performance of the hybrid electricity system was assessed using both the net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) and found to be cheaper
16.R Khezri et al. [38]2020AustraliaGrid-connectedHouseholds servingElectricalThis research specifies the optimum solar capacity for grid-affiliated households, photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage (BES) to minimize the net present cost of electric power networks
17.BK Das [39]2020BangladeshStandalone and grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalHOMERThe study sized an islanded and grid-affiliated solar PV electricity provision to a small neighborhood. The result reflects major cost savings through the incorporation of the PV module into the grid
18.ALM Maher [40]2019PalestineGrid-connected and standaloneIndustrial zoneElectricalOpen distribution source simulator (OpenDSS)This study provided a layout for a grid-affiliated PV system and an islanded PV system. Factors influencing device design and size were also described and analyzed. The results showed a good improvement in the overall energy losses and voltage profile concerning load and capacity production
19.HA Attia, F delAma Gonzalo [41]2018United Arab EmiratesStandaloneRemote buildingElectricalFuzzy logic controlIt provided a precise Buck-Boost DC-DC converter design powered by the fuzzy logic controller (FLC). The research concentrated on suggesting a suitable solar PV panel model configuration and attachment
20.A Iqbal, MT Iqbal [42]2019PakistanStandalone PVRural areaElectricalHOMER ProThermal modeling of a typical Pakistani rural house was performed using BEopt throughout this research to assess the hourly load profile. System studies indicated that such a system can primarily reinforce the lighting and loading of appliances in a rural household
21.Y Chaibi et al. [43]2019Standalone PVLoad servingElectricalSliding mode MPPT/MATLAB SimulinkThe study tracked how the maximum power point (MPP) transferred the maximum available power to the load. The control fed the AC load by a sinusoidal output current
22.MA Omar, MM Mahmoud [44]2018PalestineGrid-connected and standaloneResidential sectorElectricalUnconventional PV system/MATLAB softwareThe study proposed a viable solution to the problem of energy output in the private dwellings sector using unpredictable PV systems operating in islanded and grid-affiliated modes. The battery storage framework enables private dwellings to secure stable energy operations
23.PK Bonthagorla, S Mikkili [45]2020Grid-connected/standaloneLoad servingElectricalMATLAB/SimulinkThis paper briefly discusses the modeling, simulation, and performance evaluation of hybrid and conventional array configurations during different PSCs in MATLAB/Simulink environment
24.M Salimi et al. [46]2021Hybrid grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalMATLAB/SimulinkA fresh concept to active modeling and locked-loop control of hybrid grid-affiliated multi-input multioutput (MIMO) renewable energy systems was addressed
25.M Dali et al. [47]2010Grid-connected and standalone modesLoad servingElectricalStandalone inverterA hybrid system associated with the grid was described in the study. The experimental findings show that the system can operate parallel to or independent of the grid
26.MI Hlal et al. [48]2019MalaysiaOff-grid or standaloneLoad managementElectricalNon-dominated separating genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) methodA multiobjective optimization design accounted for lossy load likelihood (LLP), energy cost (COE), price of battery life loss, and cost of service, substitution, and repair.
27.KNB Akshai, R Senthil [49]2020StandaloneHousehold electricityElectricalSimulation software PVsystThe study is based on the evaluation of economic expenses of grid-affiliated and islanded photovoltaic systems using PVsyst
28.S Odeh et al. [50]2019PalestinianStandaloneLoad servingElectricalPVsyst softwareThis research proposes a hybrid system consisting of an array of photovoltaic (PV) and rechargeable batteries integrated into the distribution grid to share loads with the grid system
29.J Kumar et al. [51]2020PV grid-tiedResidential load servingElectricalSystem advisor model (SAM) softwareThe research resolved the power grid stability and control problems. The PV grid system consists of an 8.0 kW PV array and battery energy storage unit connected to the power grid over AC or DC links
30.J Kumar [52]2020Grid-connectedIslandElectricalPVsyst softwareThis study mainly explores the design features of a solar photovoltaic device based on a grid connection. The analysis sheds light on various subjects like creating Sankey energy loss diagrams, efficiency proportion, and total photovoltaic plant capacity
31.ZB Duranay, H Guldemir [53]2019StandaloneLoad managementWater pumpingMATLAB/SimulinkA water-pumping double-deck converter and inverter for a single-phase islanded PV system were investigated. The single-phase islanded PV system was modeled using insolation and temperature values as simulation data
32.Y Cui et al. [54]2020Grid-connectedDomestic buildingElectricity@risk softwareThe study was a technoeconomic evaluation of grid-affiliated residential construction applications photovoltaic (PV) systems. The system met the residential electricity demand from April to October and the 1530.23 kWh excess electricity was supplied to the grid
33.N Gupta et al. [55]2017Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalPareto analysis and logic gate representationsThe research developed grid-connected PV system sensitivity and reliability models. For PV cell and DC-DC converters, analytical relationships of first-order sensitivity are formed and the developed models can be implemented to any PV system for better performance
34.MP Bonkile, V Ramadesigan [56]2019StandaloneLoad managementPhysics-based batterySingle-particle model (SPM)For an islanded PV-battery energy storage (BES) hybrid device, a power management control strategy is suggested in the research. The evaluation shows that the power management design was successful and met many islanded PV-BES hybrid systems goals, without overcharging, no output excess power generation, and no power transfer to the dump load
35.SS Dheeban et al. [57]2019StandaloneLoad managementElectricalMATLAB SimulinkThe research concept of this paper includes the mathematical simulation of the solar panels and a battery backup study of the standalone unit
36.E Roumpakias, A Stamatelos [58]2019GreeceGrid-connectedLoad servingElectricalPerformance ratio (PR), yield factor (YF), reference yield (YR), capacity factor (CF), and an array to capture losses (LC)The emphasis of the research was on the efficiency of a grid-affiliated PV system in Central Greece that was operational for six years. The study indicates a slight efficiency reduction over the years, which declined between 1 and 4 percent
37.BR VS, GG Devadhas [59]2019StandaloneLoad servingElectricalSub-maximum power point tracking (S-MPPT)This research recommends a single-phase linear PV default scheduler system. It initializes any device to zero in the shortest period
38.N Manoj Kumar et al. [60]2017MalaysiaGrid connectedLoad servingElectricalPhotovoltaic geographical information systems (PVGIS) and Watts PV softwareThe primary target of the research was to build a sun-based PV plant at two diverse campuses. The specialized feasibility used the open rack or free stand mounting position crystalline innovation-based PV plant utilizing the PVGIS and PV Watts software. The specialized presentation acquired through PVGIS is very similar to the PV Watts results
39.N Kumar et al. [61]2019Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalFifth-order general integrator (FOGI)In the study, an instinctive control procedure dependent on ‘fifth-order general integrator (FOGI)’ was proposed for framework-associated sun-powered photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion system (SECS)
40.YZ Alharthi et al. [62]2019Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalHOMERThe study assessed a hybrid renewable energy system linked to the power grid with 15000.0 kW daily load demand and 2395.3 kW peak load. The net present cost (NPC), levelized energy cost (LCOE), and system environmental effects were examined
41.E Kurt et al. [63]2019Grid-connectedLoad servingElectricalPSCADThe efficiency of a DC grid-affiliated PV device under insolation and temperature variations was investigated in the study. The DC-DC boost converter was constructed to increase the system’s performance
42.H Rezk et al. [64]2019EgyptStandaloneIrrigationElectricalHOMERAn optimal islanded irrigation solar PV battery system (BS) for Al Minya, Egypt, was used in the study paper. The energy costs obtained were lower than those previously reported due to the correct selection of PV size and shape, as well as the correct selection of the site