DEVELOPMENT AND ROLE OF MICROGRIDS SURROUNDING MODERNIZED IRRIGATION DISTRICT

Abstract:

Irrigation modernization revolves around the augmentation of existing irrigation systems with infrastructure improvements. Modernization through the improvement of irrigation systems aims to enable the goals of multiple stakeholders (e.g. farmers, local communities etc.). These activities require upgrading existing energy resources which serve the growing needs of communities and enable community islanding. Centralized energy networks consisting of transmission and distribution networks dominate the electricity distribution model but concerns about cost, vulnerability, and environmental impacts call for a more decentralized energy generation and distribution model.

Microgrids are localized grids that disconnect from the distribution and transmission network to operate autonomously. Due to microgrid dependency on the central energy distribution network, these services form a backbone in integrating essential services like hospitals, cold storage etc., for their reliability and lower operational costs. Microgrids also act in support to the electric grid by integrating renewable distributed generations like solar, run-of-river hydropower, fuel cell, battery storage, geothermal energy etc.

Communities surrounding modernized irrigation districts would benefit with the installation of small-scale renewable generation resources that can help to provide the community with a self-sustaining energy model. These resources would cater to the requirements of community generation needs. Through use of traditional net-metering framework customers can sell any excess generation to the grid.

We are studying the following (i) the use of distributed generation resources as a supplementary and reliable resource for communities benefitted by irrigation modernization, (ii) the role of small generation resources to lower customers net utility bill through net metering, (iii) time-varying generation profile of photovoltaics and run-of-river hydropower compared to variation of seasonal loads and seasonal variations on the utility bill as an effect of net metering and (iv) the impacts in streamflow due to changing weather patterns on the runoff river hydropower generation.