In the previous chapter, we introduced that Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) is the most promising model to bring sustainable energy to All. Contact online >>
In the previous chapter, we introduced that Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) is the most promising model to bring sustainable energy to All.
In the previous chapter, we introduced that Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) is the most promising model to bring sustainable energy to All. Figure 2.1 schematizes the paradigm shift from non-renewable/centralised energy generation systems to renewable/distributed energy generation unit. Let us see better why DRE is environmentally, socioethically and economically sustainable compared with the dominant centralised and non-renewable energy generation systems.
Paradigm shift from non-renewable/centralised energy generation systems to renewable/distributed ones.
Environmental benefits of DRE
If we look at centralised and non-renewable systems, namely, large-scale plants using fossil fuels as oil and coke, they are environmentally unsustainable because they are based on exhausting resources, so forth fastening resources depletion. Furthermore, these exhausting resources result in high greenhouse gases emission (CO2 emissions), through several processes along their life cycle, which determine global warming. Finally, they are responsible for other pollution problem during extraction and transportation processes due to their linking.
If we now look at renewable and distributed resources, such as small-scale solar and wind generation units, they are more environmentally sustainable because they use locally available and renewable energy sources, thus resulting in a reduced environmental impact compared to the various processes of extraction, transformation and distribution of fossil fuels. Furthermore, they have much lower greenhouse gases emissions in use. To conclude, compared to centralised systems, local energy production and distribution increase reliability and reduce distribution losses.
Socioethical and economic benefits of DRE
Centralised systems are unsustainable even in socioethical and economic terms. This comes because, due to the composition of oil and coke, they are very complex to be extracted, refined and distributed. Indeed, these processes require very expensive and large-scale centralised structures, which limit the possibilities of direct and democratised access to energy production and consumption. In history, individuals had low power over their own destiny which led to a widened gap (in terms of inequality) between rich and poor [10], which has been pursued in time perpetuating a centralised energy production.
In the transition from centralised to decentralised and distributed energy systems, there are two well-characterised elements:
System Structure: regarding the configuration of the actors involved in the energy system;
Type of Energy Sources: regarding the nature of the resources, covering from non-renewable to renewable energy sources.
Concerning the System Structure, we can distinguish the following three main types.Footnote 1
Centralised energy systems could be defined as large-scale energy generation units (structures) that deliver energy via a vast distribution network, (often) far from the point of use (Fig. 2.2).
Centralised energy system.
Decentralised energy systems could be defined as characterised by small-scale energy generation units (structures) that deliver energy to local customers. These production units could be stand-alone or could be connected to nearby others through a network to share resources, i.e. to share the energy surplus. In the latter case, they become locally decentralised energy networks, which may, in turn, be connected with nearby similar networks (Fig. 2.3).Footnote 2
Decentralised energy system.
Distributed energy system could be defined as small-scale energy generation units (structure), at or near the point of use, where the users are the producers—whether individuals, small businesses and/or local communities. These production units could be stand-alone or could be connected to nearby others through a network to share, i.e. to share the energy surplus. In the latter case, they become locally distributed energy networks, which may, in turn, be connected with nearby similar networks (Fig. 2.4).
Distributed energy system. Source designed by the Authors
Given the above structures, the below diagram presents various types of possible configurations (Fig. 2.5).
Distributed/decentralised energy. System structure and configurations.
An explanation is needed on the renewability of resources. On one side, we can recognise the nature of the resource, considering the kind of transformation needed to make them usable. Some exhaustible resources, such as oil, are available as fossil hydrocarbons, but we can only use them after extraction and converting them into heat, electricity and so on. These extraction and conversion processes imply having, as it was highlighted before, large-scale centralised plants. With renewable resources, this transformation processes could be relatively simpler. The simplest example comes out with the sun: it is freely available and it can directly be used in the form of heat for cooking and even for house heating.
Solar Energy is the most abundant of renewable energies, and it is available at any location, with higher values/yields closer to the Equator, e.g. 1400–2300 kWh/m2 in Europe and US and around 2500 kWh/m2 in Tanzania, East Africa [11]. The total solar irradiation of the sun is about 50 million Gigawatt (GW) (Fig. 2.6).
World map solar horizontal irradiation.
The value of radiation is influenced by seasonal climatic variations: it is higher during warmer months than in cold months and usually is higher during the dry season than rainy season.
Solar Technologies
There are two main solar energy technologies: solar photovoltaic systems which use solar irradiation to produce electricity, and solar thermal systems that make use of the sun''s heat, e.g. in solar cooking and solar water heating.
convert the energy from the sun using solar cells: the PV effect related to the electromotive force is generated under the action of light in the contact zone between two layers of semiconductor material usually silicon-based.
Solar Photovoltaic Systems (SPS) typically are composed of the following components:
Photovoltaic Cell/Module/Array: to convert solar energy into electric energy through the photovoltaic effect;
Charge Controllers: to protect and regulate the charging of batteries, the charge controller interrupts the photovoltaic current when the battery is charged;
Rechargeable Battery bank: to store the surplus of solar energy if not connected to the grid. Types of batteries are: deep cycle lead acid, gel, lithium polymer, lithium ion and NiCad (Nickel Cadmium), and these have a range between 12 and 48V, where the higher the voltage the better the efficiency;
Inverter: to convert the DC from the photovoltaic modules in AC (necessary for products such as domestic appliances, computers, cars and urban lights). There are two different types: converts DC to AC; runs at 120VAC or 240VAC appliances;
Breaker box: to distribute electrical current to the various circuits (if grid connected);
Electric metre: to measure electric energy delivered to their customers (if connected to a network) for billing purposes;
If the dimension of the SPV is limited (less than 100 W), the inverter can be avoided, thus avoiding conversion losses. On the other side, to reach a higher output capacity, a certain number of modules are combined to form a field or array. This example shows the solar high degree of flexibility and scalability of Solar Photovoltaic Systems (SPV), able to power from small lanterns up to mini-grid systems connecting more energy generator units (some hundreds kWp). When considering microgrid systems, about 50–60% of the total cost is due to the solar PV array, while battery bank accounts for about 10–15% and power conditioning unit for 25–35%.
Solar thermal technology converts solar radiation into renewable energy for heating and cooling using a solar thermal collector. Heat from the sun''s rays is collected and used to heat a fluid that will drive the production of energy for heating/cooling. Produced heat can be used to heat water for hygiene and health, or for space heating/cooling (e.g. solar driers and greenhouses).
Solar thermal heating systems are typically composed of the following components: solar thermal collectors, a storage tank and a circulation loop.
About Belmopan distributed energy systems
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