A decentralized, renewable-energy-powered business hub for rural areas: A case study of Ilakan community, Nigeria

摘要

Ilakan community in South-West Nigeria, with a population of about 300 dwellers, has had no access to any form of electricity since its existence. A large percentage of the population is very active and engages in productive activities, predominantly farming. This paper aims at providing affordable, clean, off-grid electricity to the community by designing a decentralized energy hub where residents of the community can have energy access irrespective of its applications or their occupation. The average solar radiation for the community is about 4.5MJ/m2/day and it is adequate to power all the dc and ac loads of this specially designed renewable-energy-powered business hub. This centrally-located hub is expected to improve the health and socio-economic activities of the community and address other vital issues resulting from the lack of access to electricity. It can also help to improve environmental performance in terms of energy efficiency and carbon emissions. The most successful mini-grid schemes developed were designed taking into account local economic, social and environmental conditions. An idea of the energy audit of the particular location is very important in the design of renewable mini-grids. Detailed site analysis also helps with appropriate technology selection that will give some estimate of the projected output.