Design and Optimisation of an Off-grid Micro-Grid Solution for a Small Rural Community

In this paper, a cost-sensitive design for an off-grid micro-grid solution is proposed for the electrification of a small rural area. An optimisation scheme for reducing micro-grid investment costs and the levelised cost of energy has been put forward. In addition, the effect of load shedding on the cost of micro-grid cost and operation is also given. The results obtained show that optimisation of micro-grid design yields reduced net present cost of the micro-grid and levelised cost of energy. In addition, the exclusion of dispatchable generator in micro-grid design shows an increase in cost implication if the load shedding is to remain at 0%.