The impact of energy efficient lighting on power networks.

M.Sc.Eng. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.The power utilities in many countries have come under stress as a result of generation capacity deficits, looming fuel costs and in many developing countries the electricity demand is very quickly outstripping the available electricity supply [1]. Since 2006, Eskom has been utilizing large scale residential efficient lighting roll out programmes as a cost effective short to medium term supply security solution while the longer term capital intensive supply side, “Build Programme” was underway [2]. This mostly involved the use of non-linear compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to replace linear incandescent lights (ILs) with very little involvement and influence by the utility QOS (quality of supply) engineers that are responsible for ensuring supply quality on the specifically targeted Distribution networks. This dissertation highlights that while CFLs can provide the desired energy or peak power reduction required, they can also have an impact on QOS within specific sensitive networks if the appropriate CFL standards (i.e. IEC 61000-3-2) minimum requirements are not adhered for both power factor and harmonics. These large scale CFL implementations have cost implications and hence metering and verification methods and models have been developed to simulate and quantify the returns from investing in energy efficient lighting initiatives. CFL manufacturers differ on ballast designs which have a direct impact on lamp efficacy, harmonic distortion and power factor which contribute to network quality of supply. It is for this reason that this dissertation raises an awareness of the importance of appropriate CFL standards i.t.o. the impact on quality of supply from a harmonics and power factor perspective. Due to the lack of more recent available or reliable sources of CFL test data, laboratory investigations were used to confirm the harmonics and PF characteristics of a variety of commercially available CFLs in addition to those utilised in previous large scale rollout programmes. The harmonics and power factor performance measured were compared for compliance against the international limits as prescribed in IEC 61000-3-2. Further investigations on international lighting industry standards for CFL’s has revealed gaps pertaining to harmonics and PF limits. This study is concluded by highlighting the impact of CFLs on power networks. It also provides a brief guide for utility power quality engineers by imparting an understanding of their role for the large scale efficient lighting programmes in order to pro-actively contain any possible impact on quality of supply within the regulatory limits as prescribed in the QOS standards

Sustainable energy management for a small rural subdivision in New Zealand : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Energy Management, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

An eight-lot residential subdivision in central Wairarapa is being developed to demonstrate the principles of sustainable resource management. Local energy sources for low and high grade use, including electricity sourced from proposed grid-integrated, on-site, distributed generation will supplement imported network electricity. A unique component is an internal loop grid for lot connection that interfaces with the local network through a single connection point. A decision model was designed as a decision-support tool for the development based on the annual supply-demand electrical energy balance, site infrastructure covenants and a range of economic and technology criteria. Solar and wind resources were assessed for potential supply of electricity to the community energy system. Three demand profiles were developed using supplied and estimated electrical demand data; and included assumptions on thermal performance of the houses, the use of low-grade heat, user behaviour, and appliance use. Supply and demand were analysed as daily average profiles by hour for each month of the year. The decision model outputs were designed to give a graphic view of the system options. The accompanying output datasets also enabled a number of scenarios for connection configurations, load management, and economic sensitivity to be explored for their impact on the communal approach to managing energy. The viability of the community energy system is significantly influenced by managing demand level in conjunction with system size, capital cost management, and tariffs for electricity import and export. Energy requirements could be best met in the short term by installing a site-wide mixed generation system of sized capacity between 5 and 11kW, supported by metering and information technology to deliver management data to the residents. Future research opportunities exist to continue monitoring technical, economic and social outcomes from this unique community development. Incentivising private investment in userfocussed energy innovations is an option for New Zealand to consider in the current climate of market-driven large scale electricity developments

Microgrid and Distributed Energy Resources Standards and Guidelines Review: Grid Connection and Operation Technical Requirements

This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Microgrid Integrated with Renewable Energy SystemIn this review, the state of the art of 23 distributed generation and microgrids standards has been analyzed. Among these standards, 18 correspond mainly to distributed generation while five of them introduce the concept of microgrid. The following topics have been considered: interconnection criteria, operating conditions, control capabilities, power quality, protection functions and reference variables. The revised national standards cover ten countries on four continents, which represents 80% of the countries with the largest installed renewable capacities. In addition, eight other relevant international standards have been analyzed, finding IEEE 1547 as the most comprehensive standard. It is identified a clear need to define a common framework for distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrid standards in the future, wherein topics, terminology, and values are expressed in a manner that may widely cover the entire diversity in a way similar to how it has already been expressed at the network transport level by the ENTSO-E codes