Mini-grid for rural electrification: EMTP model and system analysis. The case of Idjwi Island, Democratic Republic of Congo.

This thesis aims to realize the EMTP model and the performance analysis of a mini-grid for rural electrification. The project has been carried out in collaboration with the company EnGreen. EnGreen has built a multi-source renewable mini-grid in the village of Kashara, on the island of Idjwi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, giving inhabitants access to electricity. The grid consists of a photovoltaic power plant, a battery energy storage system, a hydroelectric generator and of four independent lines with a total length of about 10 km. The energy produced and/or stored is distributed to the users through a low-voltage distribution grid. The grid has been modelled using EMTP software. Each component has been represented using the most appropriate models proposed in the literature. The control system has been realized with data of the real grid when present and with data of the relevant literature in case of lack of information. The obtained model has been used to simulate the performance of the mini-grid for different scenarios. First, the grid has been analysed considering resistive loads only, highest and lowest peaks of daily loads demand, present value of the loads and future forecast demand. Then, rotating load, namely induction motor, has been added to the mini-grid and the impact of the motor position on start-up transient has been observed. Finally, the performance of the grid after the disconnection of two lines has been analysed.