Session: 08-05-03: Energy-Related Multidisciplinary III

Paper Number: 145927

145927 - Electrifying Rural Life: A Socio-Technical Framework for Power Distribution in Microgrids 

In the realm of rural electrification, microgrids stand as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. They offer a viable solution for areas where traditional grid connectivity remains a challenge. This study delves into the intricate relationship between microgrid power distribution and the quality of life (QOL) in rural communities. It introduces a socio-technical framework designed to manage power distribution effectively within microgrid systems characterized by limited production capacity.

The core of this research lies in its unique approach to intertwining social needs with technical capabilities. The framework employs a decision-making process rooted in the assessment of QOL parameters such as water safety, education, and leisure/social activities. These parameters serve as indicators of a community's well-being and are crucial for prioritizing power allocation in rural settings. The study posits that by addressing the direct correlation between electrification and QOL improvement, microgrids can contribute significantly to rural development.

A notable aspect of this framework is the compromise decision support problem (cDSP). This mathematical tool aids in the exploration of various power management scenarios, offering a spectrum of solutions tailored to different community needs. The cDSP facilitates a balanced distribution of limited power resources among critical loads, thereby maximizing the positive impact on community life.

The methodology involves a detailed analysis of four QOL parameters, focusing on their condition, community importance, and energy dependence. These factors are quantitatively assessed to establish a hierarchy of power distribution priorities. The study demonstrates the framework's application through a hypothetical rural village, utilizing data provided by SunMoksha, a company with extensive experience in deploying smart microgrid systems in India.

Results from the application of this framework indicate that prioritizing power allocation based on QOL parameters can lead to more effective and impactful energy management within rural microgrids. The analysis reveals that water and safety parameters often receive higher priority due to their significant influence on community well-being. However, the flexibility of the framework allows for adjustments in priority based on changing community needs and energy availability.

The study underscores the importance of incorporating community perspectives into microgrid operation and design. By aligning energy distribution with the most pressing social needs, the proposed framework ensures that microgrid systems contribute meaningfully to the advancement of rural communities. It also highlights the need for ongoing adaptation and refinement of energy management strategies to accommodate developmental progress and evolving energy demands.

In conclusion, this research presents a pioneering approach to managing power distribution in microgrids with limited production capacity. The socio-technical framework offers a robust method for integrating social considerations into technical systems, paving the way for sustainable rural electrification. Future work will focus on expanding the framework to include more comprehensive QOL parameters and exploring the long-term effects of its implementation on rural development. This study sets the stage for a new era of microgrid management, where technical prowess and social welfare converge to create resilient and thriving rural communities.

Presenting Author: Andrew Pangia University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Presenting Author Biography: Andrew Pangia is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Machine Learning for Trustworthy AI at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Clemson University, where his research focused on the use of optimization and theoretical machine learning to solve complex mathematical problems. Andrew has also taught courses in statistics and calculus. He has held leadership roles in professional societies that include the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), and the Multi-Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) Society.

Authors:

Andrew Pangia University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Hailie Suk University at Buffalo
Maryam Yaghoubirad Iran University of Science and Technology
Taufiquar Khan University of North Carolina at Charlotte
John Hall University of North Carolina at Charlotte