Track: Energy

Abstract

Sitting an interconnected mini-grid project within an electricity distribution network requires a thorough investigation of alternative locations to determine where the solution is optimally required and guarantees quick returns on investment. This study employs location attributes and lifetime value of electricity consumers as decision-making criteria for determining an optimal location for a proposed project.  The location attributes criteria are consumer population, hours of supply, and energy consumption, while lifetime value criteria are profit and cost.  The paper utilizes an interval type-2 fuzzy analytic hierarchy process as a multi-criteria decision-making methodology for the investigation. The study carried out a pairwise comparison of criteria using the experts’ opinion survey to determine the criteria weights. The study developed Location Attributes-Based Model (LABM) and Lifetime Value Model (LTVM) to obtain the weighted value of each alternate location. The cumulative values of LABM and LTVM are used in ranking the alternate locations to determine the optimal location for the interconnected mini-grid sitting within an electricity distribution network. This model is recommended for interconnected mini-grid projects decision-making as utility company embraces embedded electricity generation to bridge the supply gap created by the epileptic national grid.