Use of an interface unit at a customer premises could increase the daily profit

摘要

This paper shows how a customer who has locally installed electricity production units could increase the daily profit of local electricity production by using a smart interface unit. The opening up of electricity markets has led to reduced investments in large energy generating units thereby resulting in net importation of electricity in some areas [1]. Because the prices are sensitive to the demand for electricity, the result has been very high prices during the peak periods of peak seasons to the extent that some private companies are affected negatively in their business operations. This instability of the electricity prices, coupled with the world drive to conserve the environment has resulted in increased interests in private ownership of distributed energy technologies. The shortage in electricity supply is also leading to the opening up of the markets at retail level to allow small scale producers to enter the market and sell electricity to the network. Some of the distributed energy technologies are still in infancy. However, public support for research has led to significant progress over the last few years. Wind energy is now widely recognised as a viable option. Solar photovoltaic energy is quite promising and is slowly becoming economically competitive. Household waste is constantly growing and provides a significant energy opportunity as well as by products from timber and agri-foods industries. Hydrogen is a very promising energy carrier for the future. Fuel cells can go some way, to meet electricity needs, thermal needs and transport needs of local communities. Many countries are actively pursuing some form of small or micro hydropower development.