Abstract:
This article explores the Auroville Smart Mini Grid Project, a pioneering endeavour in distributed renewable energy generation and storage deployment. Since its inception in 2019, the project has been implemented in phases incorporating rooftop solar installations, battery energy storage systems, smart metering systems and low and high voltage electricity distribution infrastructure. The project has also engaged in innovative research initiatives with national and international partners such as demand response programs and smart technology trials. Through these efforts, Auroville demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and advancing the frontier of distributed energy solutions.
Distributed renewable energy generation and storage
While working on sustainable energy transition plans and solutions, Auroville Consulting had identified the need for, and the enormous potential of, distributed renewable energy generation and storage in combination with energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand-side management. Distributed renewable energy generation and storage systems have numerous advantages including:
- Reduced reliance on centralized grids, thereby enhancing reliability by minimizing the impact of outages and disruptions.
- Reduction in transmission and distribution losses since energy is generated at, or close to the points of consumption;
- Distributed energy storage systems serve the dual-purposes of peak shaving / shifting and local backup power.
It was decided to do a project that would address the identified need and potential: the Smart Mini Grid project.
The Smart Mini Grid Project in Auroville
In 2019, a community survey was conducted in Auroville to gain an understanding of the community’s prime objectives which reflected that the community was determined to reduce emissions by focusing on shifting reliability to renewable energy. In 2019, 70.10% of Auroville’s GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions were on account of stationary energy of which the largest share of GHG emission was due to electricity sourced from the public grid. Auroville was thus identified as an ideal site for a Smart Mini Grid project, which would be a project for research in distributed renewable energy generation and storage along with activities relating to energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand-side energy demand.
The project was initiated by Auroville Consulting and is implemented by various units of the Auroville Foundation, including Auroville Electrical Service, Sunlit Furniture, Aurinoco, and Cynergy. The first phase of the project was completed in 2020. It includes 122 kilowatts (kW) of rooftop solar energy systems distributed over 24 roofs, a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 50 kWh (kilowatt hour), and 68 smart energy meters with remote reading facility.
The second phase was completed in 2021 with 108 kW of distributed rooftop solar energy systems added. Phase 2 also included a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 10kWh and 20 smart energy meters with a remote reading facility. Electrical infrastructure work needed for the integration of the solar PV systems battery energy storage systems was also undertaken.
As of March 2024, the following has been achieved with the Smart Mini Grid project in combination with other Auroville sustainable energy initiatives and measures:
- Total of installed solar PV capacity: 550.80 kW;
- Total of installed battery energy storage systems: 424.8 kWh;
- Reduction of annual grid energy consumption by 673.945 MWh(including export of 12.999 MWh)
- Percentage of electrical energy that is met from renewable sources: 38.2% wind and 38.2% solar.
The Smart Mini Grid Project acted as a catalyst for increasing Auroville’s generation of on-site solar energy making solar energy a prime energy source.
It showcases the transformative potential of distributed energy solutions as a key component in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Associated research projects
The Smart Mini Grid project also led to applied research projects in the area of demand-side management.
One project involved 30 participating households in an active demand response program for domestic air-conditioners with a consortium of UK and India-based partner organizations led by Heriot-Watt University. Up to 25% load reduction and 20% energy savings were observed.
Another such research project involved a trial in Auroville within a 5km radius wherein 30 dwellings were fitted with a smart plug to facilitate energy demand of air conditioners along with a sensor to measure internal temperature and humidity. Additionally,70 households were fitted with temperature and humidity measurement sensors.
Conclusion
The Auroville Smart Mini Grid Project stands as a pioneering model of community-led energy transformation, showcasing the efficacy of distributed renewable energy solutions. With significant achievements in renewable energy adoption, cost savings, and emissions reductions during the first phases of the project, the potential of localized energy systems to enhance resilience and sustainability has already been demonstrated. In subsequent project phases additional energy generation and storage capacity will be added with a focus on exploring and enhancing the functioning of battery energy storage systems.
Author – Nitya Tadakamalla
Date – 01.08.2024
