IEEE ISGT Asia 2013 1569815479
Smart Mini Grid: An Innovative Distributed
Generation based Energy System
Mukesh Gujar Alekhya Datta
Research Associate Research Associate
mukesh.gujar@teri.res.in alekhya.datta@teri.res.in
TERI The Energy and TERI The Energy and
Resources Institute Resources Institute
Abstract With the depleting energy resources, enhancing energy-
security and energy-access, particularly in emerging economies is
one of the major challenges that one has to deal with. In addition to
managing the existing energy resources, generating power
effectively and intelligently is an equally important agenda at the
national level in India. Supplementing the establishment of large
power plants from conventional energy sources, there is also a need
to focus on distributed small scale generation of power particularly
from renewable energy sources. Although Distributed Energy
Resources (DERs) need additional infrastructure and investment to
connect them to the grid, these technologies obviate the need for an
expensive transmission system and reduce transmission and
distribution (T&D) losses.
A better way to realize the emerging potential of distributed
generation is to take a system approach which views generation and
associated loads as a subsystem or a Micro-grid [1]. During
disturbances, the generation and corresponding loads can separate
from the distribution system to isolate the Micro-grids load from
the disturbance without harming the transmission grids integrity.
To deal with these crucial issues of power and energy, the more
appropriate solution is the Smart Mini Grid system which can
optimally and intelligently manage the load and distributed
generation resources so that maximum utilization of the renewable
energy resources with a lower installed renewable energy capacity
and smaller batteries can be ensured by coordinating the energy
demands with the electricity production, fossil fuel generation can
be minimized through the more efficient control of energy loads
and power quality can be improved
The paper presents the relevance of Smart Mini Grid as well as its
existing challenges. It has also briefly pointed out the major
initiatives taken by various institutions/industry in the smart
mini/micro-grid sectors in India. The main purpose of this paper is
to present the design of TERIs own Smart Mini Grid system which
integrated various distributed energy sources such as Solar PV,
small wind electric generator Biomass gassifier system, Diesel-Set
1
Parimita Mohanty
Fellow and Area Convenor
parimita@teri.res.in
TERI The Energy and
Resources Institute
(DG) and showcase how such implementation can be used in other
similar applications for improving the efficiency, reliability and
flexibility of the overall system.
Keywords:Micro-Grid, Smart Mini Grid, Network, Demand Side
Management, DERs, T&D, Distribution Generation, Power
Quality, Energy security, Biomass, Wind , Solar, Diesel set (DG),
ICT.
I. INTRODUCTION
Economic, technology and environmental incentives are
changing the face of electricity generation and transmission.
Centralized generating facilities are giving way to smaller, more
distributed generation partially due to the loss of traditional
economies of scale.To cope with several utility changes and
challenges, many utility companies in India are planning to
implement various distributed generation based Micro/ Mini grid
in Indian power sector.
A. Challenges of the Mini/Micro-Grid
Since most of the micro/mini-grids are based on the distributed
generation source such as Solar PV, Wind etc. These source are
very intermittent and unpredictable, hence their optimum
utilization is very much necessary to tackle the energy security
issues.
One of the major challenges of micro-grid protection system is
that it must respond to both island and grid connected faults [2].
In the first case the protection system should isolate the smallest
part of the micro-grid when clears the fault. In the second case
the protection system should isolate the micro-grid from the
main grid as rapidly as necessary to protect the micro-grid loads.
The major issues related to the microgrid implementation are
shown in the figure 1.
In electricity system, active and reactive power generated has to
be in balanced condition with the power consumed by the loads
including the losses in the lines. The unbalance condition
happens from power generated is not equal to the power
demanded. The unbalanced between both by the kinetic energy
of the rotating generators and motors connected to the system,
causing a deviation of the system frequency from its set point
value (50/60Hz). The purpose of voltage and frequency control
is to ensure that the both voltage and frequency remain within
predefined limit around the set point values by adjusting active
and reactive power generated or consumed.
Figure. 1: Issues in Micro-Grid implementation
And Islanding is the major challenge in micro/mini-gird; it is a
small-scale representation of the future interconnected grid with
a high density of distributed generations [3]. The micro-grid
provides a benchmark between island and the interconnected
grid. It is can be used in the large interconnected grid with the
high penetration of distributed generation. The islanding control
strategies are very important for the operation of a micro-grid in
autonomous mode.
B. Recent Initiatives on Micro/Mini-Grid in India
Off-grid applications are major Indian renewable energy
priorities [4]. Such applications not only replace fossil fuels
butalso make significant contribution to reduction in their
consumption. As such, the strength and potential of
renewableenergy lies in its ability to generate power in
decentralizedand distributed mode which has the advantages of
productionat consumption points and does away with land
andenvironmental related concerns and problems.
2
Accordingly,Ministry has put in place a policy framework for
rapid up-scaling of off-grid programmes in an inclusive mode.
In order to hasten the deployment of the Smart Grid initiatives in
the country, the Government of India (GOI) created the India
Smart Grid Task Force [5] (ISGTF) and the India Smart Grid
Forum (ISGF), and the pilot projects announced in 2012 are
positive steps in this direction. The ISGF is divided into several
working groups focused on specific areas and one of Working
Groups i.e., WG: 9 on Renewables and Micro-Grids are
responsible to develop an architecture and methodology for
Micro-grids both off-grid and grid connected so that the same
can be isolated from grid and also to develop set of standards [6],
guidelines and technology recommendations for integration and
efficient operation of renewable sources into the grid; and
recommend suitable grid codes.
TERIs initiative on Micro/Mini-Grid ProjectTERI has
installed three Off-Grid solar PV plants in state of Orissa for
generation and enhancement of livelihood generation activities
using clean energy. The plant is featured with intelligent load
and battery management protocols using Load-Shedding
Protection (DC Supply Contactor) by segregating the critical and
non-essential loads. Off-Grid PV Plant local/remote monitoring
is also included for this site.
Recently in 2011, TERI has implemented first of its kind Smart
Mini Grid (SMG) project. The plant is particularly used for
supplying the captive load of the campus. The plant include
various distributed energy source such as solar, wind, biomass
etc. This Smart Mini-Grid caneither be connected to the
conventional utility grid or be isolated, providingelectricity for
localized loads only.
Northen IndiaNorway-based Company Scatec Solar decided to
set up an 8.7 kilowatt power plant in Rampura [7]. Assisted by
Development Alternatives, an NGO working locally, the
community in this village was mobilized to take charge of
perhaps Indias first community-managed solar power plant. As
a result, since January 26, 2009, this village has not been without
power for a single day. The plant distributes power through a
micro-grid, approximately 0.75 to 1 km in length. An electronics
company, DD Solar 23 India Pvt. Ltd (which works under the
banner of the Bergen Group) has provided the technical know-
how for this project.
Azure Power India-based independent power producer Azure
Power has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Trade and
Development Agency (USTDA) to assess the development and
accelerate adoption of solar power in rural India. The $476,670
grant will fund a feasibility study on two 500 kW micro-grid
solar photovoltaic power generation pilot projects in the states of
Gujarat and Chhattisgarh. Having spearheaded the national
initiative of grid-connected solar power projects that are over 1
MW in capacity, Azure Power will, with this study, open up the
potential of electrifying rural India through solar powered micro-
grids.Following the study, Azure aims to set up over 100 micro-
grid solar systems, with each system covering an average of 2-3
acres of rural land which would generate sufficient power to
electrify approximately 800-1,000 villages with little or no
connectivity to existing electrical grids.
II. SMART MINI GRID
Today, existing grids are under pressure to deliver the growing
demand for power, as well as provide a stable and sustainable
supply of electricity. These complex challenges are driving the
evolution of smart min grid technologies.The important features
of Smart Mini Grid are as follow:
x Foster demand side management and demand side response;
x Reduce power outages, increasing reliability, efficiency and
safety of the grid;
x Reduce carbon footprint and minimize fossil fuel
consumption;
x Provide better autonomy to customers to manage their
electricity needs.
III. INITIATIVE TAKEN BY TERI ON SMART MINI GRID SYSTEM
To address the issues in energy challenge of providing quality
power and energy security to the electricity consumers
effectively, The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI)s initiative
in Smart Mini Grid has started in 2009.
In order to optimize the multiple energy generating resource
such as Solar, Wind, DG and Grid and to cater the varying and
intermittent load ,TERI has designed and developed Smart Mini
Grid in one of its research facilities at TERI Retreat [8] (TERI
Gram, Gwal Pahari) ,Haryana, India. In the Retreat building
during the day time all the building load is catered by renewable
energy sources and excess power is stored in the battery storage
system to cater the emergency load during emergency hours, it
also helps in reducing the carbon footprint.The Configuration
and line diagram of Distributed Generation based Smart Mini
Grid (SMG) is shown in the figure 2.
3
Unique features of TERIs Smart Mini Grid Model
x Integration of multiple DERs, ensuring maximum
utilization of renewable energy sources;
x Resource and load profiling, controlling and
forecasting;
x Centralized control (Intelligent Smart Dispatch
Controller) for resource optimization and demand
management;
x Load prioritization (total loads have been classified into
critical, essential and non-essential loads);
x Integrated, high-speed, Field Programmable Gate Array
(FPGA) based digital communication using NI
LabVIEW [9] (a software platform for acquiring data,
sending and receiving controls) platform;
x Real-time data acquisition and monitoring of several
electrical, weather and physical parameters through
installed sensors;
x Minimized outages and fast response to network
disturbances through automatic connect/ disconnect of
system components.
TERIs Smart Mini Grid (SMG) System has integrated following
Distributed Energy Resources:
x 10.5kWP Solar Photovoltaic (Crystalline silicon based
solar module) system installed on the roof of the North
Block of the TERI Retreat;
x 2kWP Solar Photovoltaic (Crystalline silicon based
solar module) system installed on the roof of the
Biomass Gassifier building;
x 1kWP Thin-film based Solar Photovoltaic system on the
roof of the South Block of the TERI Retreat1;
x 3.3kW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG);
x 100kW Biomass Gassifier (woody) system in the
Biomass Gassifier building;
x Battery Bank of 48V, 600Ah for energy storage and,
x Diesel Gen-sets/Utility Grid.
Figure 2: Configuration and line diagram of Distributed Generation
based Smart Mini Grid (SMG)
 Smart Mini Grid system is used to communicate with SMG
SCADA system using Ethernet (Mod-bus Protocol). Real Time
A. Development of dispatch controller and SCADA system for Data Acquisition Dashboard for SMG is shown in the figure 4.
SMG
The heart and main brain behind Smart Mini Grid system is the
Smart Controller which has been developed using Compact-RIO
[10] provided by National Instruments. NI Compact-RIO 9022 is
used along-with required C-Series modules from National
Instruments. NI Compact-RIO 9022 has the following features:
x Embedded controller runs LabVIEW Real-time for
deterministic control, data logging and analysis;
x 533 MHz Processor, 2 GB non-volatile storage and 256
MB DDR2 memory;
x Dual Ethernet ports with embedded Web and file
servers for remote user interfacing;
x Hi-Speed USB host port for connection to USB flash
and memory devices;
Figure 4: Real Time Data Acquisition Dashboard for SMG
x RS232 Serial port for connection to peripherals, dual 9
to 35 VDC supply inputs;
D. Applications of Smart Mini Grid (SMG) System
x -20 to 55C operating temperature range.

SMGs are applicable not only for remote or rural applications,

B. Communication between the SCADA System and Smart
but are powerful solutions for the reliable energy requirements
Controller:
of campuses such as office complexes, factories, residences,
hospitals, hospitality institutions, shopping complexes, and even
A third-party GSM/GPRS C-Series module i.e., SA 1802 is used
suburban neighborhoods.
as a communication medium that enables communication
Institutions, campuses, localities applying an SMG for secure
between NI Compact-RIO and the SCADA System. The data
power availability can ensure the maximum utilization of
collected from the various data nodes are transmitted via
renewable energy (RE) resources through the careful
Ethernet using Modbus Protocol and GSM modem using
coordination between energy demands and the electricity
TCP/IP.The SCADA system of Smart Mini Grid (SMG) is
production. This enables a relatively lower installed RE
shown in the figure 3.
capacity- and in conjunction possibly decreased battery sizes-
which result in reduced upfront capital costs. The SMG system
also helps minimize the use of any fossil fuel based generation
by an intelligent management of loads through smart controls
and techniques. This allows for reduced ongoing operating costs
while simultaneously improving power quality, efficiency, and
flexibility of the overall system.

IV. CONCLUSION
The Smart Mini Grid (SMG) system is a reliable and consistent
solution and is uniquely placed to strengthen the country's
electricity sector by creating a platform to use distributed power
optimally, while at the same time enhancing the performance of
utility electricity supply systems. It can be incorporated as part
of the Government of India's flagship programmes like
Figure 3: SCADA system of Smart Mini Grid (SMG) Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) and Rajiv
Gandhi GrameenVidyutikaranYojana (RGGVY).
C. Real-time Data Acquisition Dashboard for Smart Mini Grid
System:
National Instruments LabVIEW Developer Suite including DSC
and RT-FPGA [11] modules have been used to develop the
dashboard for Smart Mini Grid system in which all the real-time
information such as: electrical and weather parameters, daily
energy consumption etc. will be provided. The dashboard of

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 V. REFERENCES
[1] Robert H. Lasseter, Paolo Piagi ,Microgrid: A Conceptual
Solution, PESC04 Aachen, Germany 20-25 June 2004
[2] MdRazibul Islam, Hossam A. Gabbar ,"Study of Micro
Grid Safety & Protection Strategies withControl System
Infrastructures ",Smart Grid and Renewable Energy,
2012, 3, 1-9
[3] ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences,
2006-2008 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN)
[4] S. S. Murthy, Life Senior Member, IEEE, Micro- Grid
Integration with Renewable Energy in Indian
Perspective.
[5] First Year Progress Report by India Smart Grid Forum
(ISGF), December 2012.
[6] Report on India Smart Grid Day by AF Mercados Energy
Markets India Pvt. Ltd. (AF Mercados EMI) and India
Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), December 2012.
[7] "Microgrids_The_BRICS_Opportunity_July_2012_Smart
_Grid_Insights_Zpryme_Research(http://smartgridresearc
h.org/wp content/uploads/sgi_reports")
[8] Retreat is a residential, multi facility complex equipped
with modern facilities including conference halls, official
and residential premises, laboratories and electricity
demand of the complex varies quite widely depending
upon the season, occupancy level of the residential
premises, the number of conferences being held and
several other factors.
[9] National Instrument LabVIEW software
(http://www.ni.com/labview)
[10] National Instrument Rugged and Reconfigurable Control
and Monitoring System (http://www.ni.com/compactrio)
[11] National Instrumentfield program gated
array(FPGA),(http://www.ni.com/labview/fpga)