Anusha Ramachandran

Bio: Anusha Ramachandran is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The author has contributed to research in topics: Grid & Grid-connected photovoltaic power system. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 4 citations.

Inverterless Solar- DC system design for off- grid and near off-grid Indian homes

Abstract: This paper presents an innovative approach to tackle the crisis of electrification of off grid and near off grid homes by using the innovative Inverterless Solar DC system Improved efficiency, lower cost and robust design makes it a very attractive solution Inverterless system is not only cost effective to power off grid homes but as and when grid becomes available, it can be seamlessly integrated For homes which are connected to the grid but face load shedding, this system provides uninterrupted power This paper presents the technical design details of this system

Mobile Apps Making a Socio-Economic Impact for Managing Power at Underprivileged Homes

Abstract: The paper presents how connectivity feature integrated into a roof-top solar power system, Inverterless500, designed and developed to electrify off-grid and near off-grid homes in an energy efficient manner, is critical in optimum service delivery, especially for lower income homes. It makes such products not only suitable for different categories of homes, but also economically viable, offering a promising business solution. Monitoring and manageability are unique features that help in maintaining the solution at remote areas of installation where manual intervention is not routinely feasible. The paper the describes the technology and learnings gained from deployment of these systems that helped in improving the product and overall management process.

Solar DC Homes: Energy for All

Abstract: Energy is an essential resource for mankind. AC was the source of power distribution for the past two centuries, due to the ease of distributing it over a long distance employing transformers for stepping up and stepping down. Majority of the electronic home appliances uses DC source, which is obtained by converting the AC power from the grid. DC Power distribution is considered a better option for these electric loads than the DC obtained after conversion [4]. DC distribution also benefits employment of renewable energy generators such as photovoltaic (PV) Cells as it reduces the number of energy conversion stages. The feasibility of the proposed DC system is investigated by comparing it with the existing 230 V AC home systems. The primary goal of the project is to design an energy efficient household by optimizing energy demand, managing local generation and storage. This design can ensure the availability of energy for all consumers irrespective of their financial status.

Enhancing Affordability of Roof-Top Solar Using Communications

Abstract: As high speed wireless communications reach every rural home and become more and more affordable, stage is set to unleash what communications, especially data communications promised all these years. The promise was that it would impact all sectors and transform lives, especially for the disadvantaged; it has yet to materialise. One of the fundamental sectors it may impact is the energy sector, taking reliable power to each home. Electric power has become fundamental necessity of life; denial of lights, fans and electronics cannot be adequately understood unless one lives without these. Most low income homes in many emerging markets get poor quality grid-power, with no power or power outage for large fraction of the day. At same time, most of them cannot afford the cost of power, even with some subsidy. This paper outlines an approach and associated technologies and concepts leveraging available communications, which can go a long way in overcoming such a situation. The approach notes that most of the nations classified today as Emerging Markets, do not have much oil and gas. They have coal, which is known to be polluting, or have renewables. Most such nations have significant solar incidence. This can be leveraged, especially as prices of solar panels fall rapidly and is less than that of conventional gridpower today. Decentralized roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) can become the most affordable solution, irrespective of whether grid is present or not. The affordability can be enhanced if it draws power from the grid, only when power is available at the lowest cost. This would require a communication link between electric utilities and homes. In fact, savings from such demand response system may pay for the communication expenses for low-income homes. Communication embedded to the systems also enables monitoring of roof-top solar system, while helping in optimal usage of power. This paper presents possible early design approach and its cost-economics in section 2. Systems with such features have been deployed widely (about 10,000 homes) in states of Rajasthan and Assam in India as well as in several other states. The monitored data and the user-responses to such deployments are presented in section 3. The cost analysis for a small home is detailed in and will be briefed in section 4. This will show that the cost savings for such deployments vary from 25% to 50%. The section also presents the approach to further reduce costs, by making the system grid-responsive, wherein it draws power from the grid, only when its costs lowest. Section 5 concludes the paper with a discussion on how this approach of using communications for decentralised solar deployment may lead to powering every home in not too distant a future.

Development of isolated energy systems in Russia using renewable energy sources

Abstract: The power system of Russian Federation is diversified regionally and consists of one Unified Power System and multiple off-grid power systems. Many parts of Russia are not connected to centralized power supply by virtue of their geographical position. There are more than five thousand autonomous energy sources in the off-grid territories, which are mainly represented by diesel power plants and gas turbines. These power plants use very expensive fossil fuel. It is proposed to use a large share of generation based on renewable energy sources (RES) for such systems. Taking into account a nonstationary character of power generation, presence of electricity storage devices, as well as stricter requirements of consumers to power quality and reliability of power supply, we can say that operating conditions of such systems and their control represent a difficult problem that needs to be studied. The tasks of substantiating the development of isolated power supply systems are considered. The analysis of the essence and level of study of task groups to substantiate the development of such systems in a hierarchical sequence is given. The problem of substantiating development is presented in the form of three successive stages: substantiating a rational configuration of the power supply system, comprehensive optimization of the structure and parameters of the power supply system taking into account various requirements and studying the operating conditions. In the paper, the specific features of microgrid operation in different seasons of a year and different time of a day are analyzed, a set of problems related to control of operation is formulated and specific features of their solution are discussed.

A Review of an Off Grid Solar DC System for Rural Houses

Abstract: Despite its importance. more than 800 million people still lack access to electricity. Individuals in many rural areas lack access to a consistent supply of energy due to the high cost of grid extension. Off-grid solar systems enable rural residents to connect to the energy 2rid and power their homes’ lights. appliances. and other electronic equipment. This document provides a brief overview of a solar power system that can be used to Dower remote homes. Solar panels. a charge controller. batteries. and an inverter make up the system. Sunlight is converted into direct current by solar panels. which is then stored in batteries. The charge controller regulates the charging and discharging cycles of the battery pack in order to keep the cells healthy and long-lasting. The inverter converts the stored DC electricity into the alternating current (AC) power that appliances and other AC loads require. The proposed method is intended to be simple and low-cost. making it an appropriate option for regions with limited resources and low growth. The system can be customized to meet the exact energy needs of the house by adding additional solar panels or batteries. Furthermore. the structure is made up of discrete components. making it easier to assemble and maintain. Off-grid solar power systems are a cost-effective and efficient wav of bringing electricity to areas that are not connected to the power grid. The proposed system describes the design and installation of a solar-powered. direct current (DC) power source for isolated dwellings. The strategy promotes long-term economic growth and raises the living standards of rural families.

A Review of an Off Grid Solar DC System for Rural Houses

Abstract: Despite its importance. more than 800 million people still lack access to electricity. Individuals in many rural areas lack access to a consistent supply of energy due to the high cost of grid extension. Off-grid solar systems enable rural residents to connect to the energy 2rid and power their homes’ lights. appliances. and other electronic equipment. This document provides a brief overview of a solar power system that can be used to Dower remote homes. Solar panels. a charge controller. batteries. and an inverter make up the system. Sunlight is converted into direct current by solar panels. which is then stored in batteries. The charge controller regulates the charging and discharging cycles of the battery pack in order to keep the cells healthy and long-lasting. The inverter converts the stored DC electricity into the alternating current (AC) power that appliances and other AC loads require. The proposed method is intended to be simple and low-cost. making it an appropriate option for regions with limited resources and low growth. The system can be customized to meet the exact energy needs of the house by adding additional solar panels or batteries. Furthermore. the structure is made up of discrete components. making it easier to assemble and maintain. Off-grid solar power systems are a cost-effective and efficient wav of bringing electricity to areas that are not connected to the power grid. The proposed system describes the design and installation of a solar-powered. direct current (DC) power source for isolated dwellings. The strategy promotes long-term economic growth and raises the living standards of rural families.