A Comprehensive Review of Sustainability in Isolated Colombian Microgrids

Abstract

Context: The increase in rural electrification projects has led to the emergence of technologies that allow operating local distribution networks such as isolated microgrids. However, the successful implementation of these isolated microgrids requires that their planning, operation, monitoring, and control consider a framework that allows maintaining technical, economic, and environmental sustainability over an extended time horizon. Therefore, this paper proposes a model that allows identifying the main technical, economic, regulatory, and environmental variables that should be considered for the successful planning of Colombian rural electrification solutions. Methodology: This paper proposes the use of System Dynamics to create a model that allows describing the causal relationships between the different variables essential for the design and operation of isolated microgrids. To this effect, the identification of the related variables and their corresponding classification are presented, together with a model of theoretical expectations about their relationships. Results: A model that integrates and describes the behavior of the main variables involved in the operation of microgrids was formulated to analyze the possible implementation of policies that guarantee the sustainability of these solutions and enhance the use of renewable energy resources while improving the continuity of the electric energy supply. Conclusions: It was possible to show that operation by means of isolated microgrids with the integration of Distributed Energy Resources is a sustainable solution for rural electrification in Colombia, given that it enhances the use of generation resources with a reduced carbon footprint that are present in the territories under study. These microgrids have the potential to improve the living conditions of users by reducing unsatisfied basic needs. Funding: Universidad Nacional de Colombia – Sede Manizales.

Análisis del modelo de transferencia de conocimiento en el sector palmífero colombiano

“…En el sector palmicultor colombiano se observa un flujo de información entre agentes mercantiles y no mercantiles que interactúan, quienes, a partir de conocimientos específicos, buscan constituir un sector más sostenible como com- petitivo. Para ello, identifican problemas y desarrollan soluciones en red a partir de diferentes procesos de innovación, de tal manera que estas puedan ser aplicadas a variables que inciden en la competitividad y sostenibilidad del sector (Rodríguez et al, 2021).…”

A scoping review of the health co-benefits of climate mitigation strategies in South America

“…53 However, it is important to mention that in South America, rural electrification is still a big concern, and where renewable energy and microgrids are also the perfect solutions for numerous areas in these countries. 54 , 55 …”

Proposing Dynamic Pricing as an Alternative to Improve Technical and Economic Conditions in Rural Electrification: A Case Study from Colombia

“…In the case of rural electrification or isolated areas, one of the biggest challenges is the continuity of electricity supply. Typically, these systems are characterized by a limited number of hours-of-service provision per day, mainly due to the difficulties in transporting fuel for generation units that depend on it, and the intermittency in the availability of the primary resource in renewable generation sources of variable nature, such as photovoltaic solar generation [35,49].…”