Use of Solar Power in Residential Townships of India

Use of Solar Power in Residential Townships of India

SUDHIR KUMAR SRIVASTAV

Additional General Manager-RAPDRP

NTPC LIMITED, NEW DELHI

Sudhirksri1@gmail.com

India lies in the sunny regions of the world. Most parts of India receive 4–7 kWh (kilowatt-hour) of solar radiation per square meter per day with 250–300 sunny days in a year. The highest annual radiation energy is received in western Rajasthan while the north-eastern region of the country receives the lowest annual radiation. Solar energy, experienced by us as heat and light, can be used through two routes:

·        The thermal route uses the heat for water heating, cooking, drying, water purification, power generation, and other applications.

·        The photovoltaic route converts the solar energy into electricity, which can then be used for a number of purposes such as lighting, pumping, communications, and power supply in un-electrified areas.

Solar photo-voltaics (SPV) is the process of converting solar radiation (sunlight) into electricity using a device called solar cell. A solar cell is a semi-conducting device made of silicon or other materials, which, when exposed to sunlight, generates electricity. The magnitude of the electric current generated depends on the intensity of the solar radiation, exposed area of the solar cell, the type of material used in fabricating the solar cell, and ambient temperature. Solar cells are connected in series and parallel combinations to form modules that provide the required power. When the PV module is in use, the terminals are connected either directly to a load, or to another module to form an array. Single PV modules of capacities ranging from 10 Wp to 120 Wp can provide power for different loads. For large power applications, a PV array consisting of a number of modules connected in parallel and/or series is used. The wattage output of a PV module is rated in terms of peak watt (Wp) units. The peak watt output power from a module is defined as the maximum power output that the module could deliver under standard test conditions (STC). The STC conditions used in a laboratory are

·        1000 watts per square meter solar radiation intensity.

·        Air-mass 1.5 reference spectral distribution.

·        25 °C ambient temperature.

In India, a crystalline silicon module generally contains 36 solar cells connected in series. The module provides a usable direct current (DC) voltage of about 16.5 V, which is normally used to charge a 12-V battery. In an SPV system, the components other than the PV module are collectively known as ‘Balance of System’ (BoS), which includes batteries for storage of electricity, electronic charge controller, inverter, etc. These batteries are charged during the daytime using the DC power generated by the SPV module. The battery/battery bank supplies power to loads during the night or non-sunny hours. An inverter is required to convert the DC power from the PV module or battery to AC power for operating the load. Some loads such as DC pumps do not require an inverter or even a battery bank.

The capacity of a stand-alone SPV Power Plant varies from 1 kWp to 25 kWp, and in some cases even higher. A stand-alone power plant functions like an uninterrupted power supply system (UPS) and provides a constant, stable, and reliable supply to the loads. The capacity of its battery bank depends on user requirements. Depending on the system voltage, SPV modules are arranged in series and parallel combinations.

A solar generator is a small capacity, stand-alone SPV power system based on a PV array, connected to a battery bank and an inverter of appropriate size. This system is designed to supply power to limited loads (such as lights and fans) for a period of two to three hours daily in situations such as conventional power failure or load-shedding. The MNES currently promotes four models of solar generators, with capacities of 150, 350, 450, and 600 Wp. These solar generators are mainly meant to replace the conventional small-capacity petrol-based generators that are used during routine load-shedding periods in urban areas by shops, clinics, and other small establishments. The components of a typical solar generator are a small SPV array connected to a battery bank of appropriate size and an inverter based on 12, 24, or 48 V. The system is designed to supply power to loads such as lights, fans, credit-card operating machines, and personal computers for a period of two to three hours.

In a Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, PV panels are integrated on the roof & sides of a building. The SPV panels generate electricity during the daytime, which is used to meet a part of the electrical energy needs of the building. BIPV systems have significant potential in India, where a large number of buildings are constructed every year for different purposes, and where energy consumption in buildings is growing at a rapid rate. Although the initial costs of a BIPV system are high, long-term savings result from a reduction in electricity consumption. India needs more experience in the field of BIPV technology. In order to encourage this application and to prepare manufacturers and users, the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources supports BIPV projects by meeting 80% of the cost of PV modules installed in the systems on government and semi-government buildings.

Use of BIPV in Townships

 Roof of the residential towers in townships is mostly un-utilized by the resident. Rather intense heat due to sunlight on roof top gives uncomfortable hot and humid environment to top floor residents.

If we can utilize the sunlight falling at roof top of residential tower for solar power generation through SPV route, it can fulfill the power requirement of common facilities and can be used as backup power during power outage also. Also

Sample Calculation:

Approximately 7000 sq.mtr. area is available at roof top of medium size townships, on which direct sunlight is falling with 250–300 sunny days in a year. This sunlight can be utilized for solar power generation as follows:

Solar power generation capability for SPV installation	150 watt/sq.mtr.
In 7000 sq.mtr area, Power generation capability during sunlight	150 x 7000 watt = 1050000 watt = 1050 KW
Average hours of sunlight in a day	07 Hours
Solar energy generation capability per day in 7000 sq.mtr. area with 07 hours per day sunlight	1050 x 7 KWh =7350 KWh
Solar energy generation capability per year in above area assuming 300 sunny days in a year	7350 x 300 = 2205000 KWh Say 22,00,000 KWh
Cost saving per year @Rs. 4.00/KWh	Rs.88 Lacs
Cost of installation @Rs120/watt	Rs.12.6 Crore
Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, Government of India, supports BIPV projects by meeting 80% of the cost of PV modules installed in the systems on government and semi-government buildings.

                                                                       

Advantage:

·        Environment friendly, hence most suitable for claims under CDM (Clean Development Mechanism).

·        Abundant solar radiation is available in most parts of India. Hence, SPV systems can be used anywhere in the country & solar energy can be optimally utilized.

·        SPV systems are modular in nature. Hence, proto type cane be developed at initial stage in any one township and can be expanded as desired and used for small and large applications.

·        There are no running costs associated with SPV systems, as solar radiation is free.

·        Electricity is generated by solar cells without noise. Other form of electricity generation produced heavy noise. So noise pollution is also reduced considerably by optimally use of solar energy through SPV route.

·        SPV systems have no moving parts. Hence, they suffer no wear and tear.

·        As most of the components of SPV systems are pre-fabricated, these systems can be installed quickly. Hence, SPV projects have short gestation periods.

·        SPV modules have long-life, and require no maintenance. Only BoS components such as batteries and inverters require minor maintenance.

·        The system may be role model, for adopting the same by other organisations.

·        Also, it can promote the use of green energy (solar energy) by society.

·         With use of SPV in mass scale by society, the cost of SPV will be drastically reduced, because of bulk production and technological innovations.

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Urgency for Electricity Distribution Reforms in India & GoI Initiatives

Urgency for Electricity Distribution Reforms in India & Government Initiatives

SUDHIR KUMAR SRIVASTAV

Additional General Manager

NTPC LIMITED, NEW DELHI

Sudhirksri1@gmail.com

Abstract -This paper gives an insight of present techno-commercial status of electricity distribution sector in India, its importance in power sector value chain, urgency of electricity distribution reforms in India for financial viability & sustainable growth and government initiative on reforms.

Current Status:

Power Distribution Business is a vital link in Power Sector, as entire collections of energy charges are collected by this business and distributed to entire value chain.  Power Sector cannot be viable without sound Distribution Sector. Present status of Power Distribution in India is as below:

·        Facing enormous problems like:

Ø High Aggregate Technical & Commercial Losses (AT&C Losses).

Ø Non Revision of Tariff in many states.

Ø Free Power Supply for Agriculture Sector.

Ø Cross Subsidy in tariff.

·        AT&C losses are to the tune of 27.15% as on FY 2009-10.

·        Gap between Average cost of supply & Average Revenue Realised per unit of input energy is 145 Paisa i.e. with supply of every KWH there is a loss of 145 Paisa.

·        Accumulated losses are to the tune of 1.9 Lac Crore.

·        Most of the Distribution companies are not able to serve their debt.

·        The losses comprise more than 1.5% of nation’s GDP.

·        Quantum numbers of people don’t have access to electricity.

Urgent Need:

An enabling infrastructure, environment and proper systems to bring about sustainable and pervasive improvements, which requires radical change across the entire distribution business through improved operational processes, leveraging best practices in information technology.

Approach to be adopted:

As electricity is one of the most sensitive basic infrastructure services, condition of electricity distribution services is highly dependent on local conditions, particularly people´s culture.

Every approach for improvement of existing services must be based on the analysis of the local conditions and, therefore, “tailor made” solution is required. There are no “imported solutions” that can be automatically transferred in India.

Required change in existing Management Approach:

·        It is important to avoid the use of the “monopolist excuses” like:

Ø Nobody knows their business better than they do.

Ø There are always external reasons to explain current bad performance.

“A CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IS NEEDED”

·        To improve management, it is essential to increase TRANSPARENCY across the whole organisation. Reliable corporate information must be available and circulated fluently throughout the company.

Ø Support provided by IT becomes critical.

Ø Management Information Systems (MIS) are essential tools.

·        A “tailor made” approach for improvement of management of DISCOMS requires to actually design and implement a comprehensive ªManagement Improvement Plan (MIP)”.

·        It is essential to define all the Processes and Activities (P&A) to be included in the MIP, the sequence for their execution and existing interrelations, as well as the human, material and financial resources required for proper performance.

·        TRANSPARENCY in availability and use of information related to DISCOM operations is the key for improvement in management

·        MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS) are the “key tools” that allow to get reliable  information and to handle it transparently

·        COMMERCIAL MIS: supports all the functions related to commercial relation between the utility and its customers. Regular activities of the so called “commercial cycle”: metering, billing and collection (including recovery). Proper execution of these activities is the best way to REDUCE COMMERCIAL LOSSES.

·        Commercial attention of customers (personal at commercial offices, by phone through the call-centre, by Internet, etc.)

Benefits of leveraging Information Technology in Distribution Business:

·        Profitability improvement through:

Ø Revenue enhancement

Ø Cost reduction

Ø Commercial and Technical loss reduction

Ø Reduced cycle time from consumption to collection

·        Enhanced customer satisfaction through:

Ø Improvement in reliability and quality of power supply

Ø Improved handling of customer complaints

·        Other gains -

Ø Operational efficiency through effective decision support.

Ø Flattening of peak demand curve by better load management

In order to achieve above objectives, need for adoption of integrated IT system by utilities was recognized and hence, MoP, GoI launched Restructured APDRP (R-APDRP) in July 2008 as a central sector scheme. Scheme is base on adoption of IT system for verifiable loss level & better administration, followed by regular system strengthening.  The RADRP grant to utilities are purely performance based to increase accountability of utilities towards reform and improvement. Towns and cities with population of more than 30,000 (10,000 in case of special category states) as per census-2001 are covered under R-APDRP scheme.

MoP, GoI is targeting the revival of State distribution utilities through fund infusion under R-APDRP on actual, demonstrable performance in terms of sustained loss reduction. R-APDRP schemes are in two parts:

Part-A: Establishment of transparent & verifiable baseline data through IT intervention, along with GIS, MDAS etc. & SCADA/DMS for large towns.

Part-B: Regular distribution strengthening.

PART- A Main components:

·        Installation of AMR on Distribution Transformers and Feeders.

·        IT for integrating Meter reading, Billing & Collection, Energy accounting & auditing and Management Information System (MIS).

·        GIS Mapping of the entire distribution network & Consumer indexing.

·        Automatic Data Logging / SCADA for big towns.

·        Establishment of IT enabled consumer service centers.

All the major business process of a utility is proposed to be IT enabled on a common integrated hardware and software architecture & approach shall be modular.

Proposed Distribution Business Processes under Integrated IT deployment plan are:

·        Metering, Billing and Collection (MBC)

·        New Connection

·        Disconnection and Dismantling

·        GIS based Consumer Indexing, Asset mapping and Network Analysis

·        Maintenance management

·        Asset Management

·        Customer Care Centre

·        Management Information System

·        Meter Data Acquisition

·        Energy Audit

Benefit from Part-A modules:

·        Better administrative control through accurate MIS.

·        Accurate energy accounting & establishment of Verifiable loss level at each voltage level.

·        Identification of loss pockets for theft control.

·        Better consumer service for consumer satisfaction.

·        Well documented & established business process.

·        Better network management & inventory control.

·        Better resource planning for cost optimisation.

·        SCADA/DMS for more reliable & quality power.

Part-B schemes are provisioned for:

·        Regular distribution network up-gradation.

·        Use of energy efficient Transformers.

·        Use of AB cable & HVDS in theft prone area.

·        Shifting of meters to outside of consumer premise.

·        Replacement of sluggish meters & damaged service connections.

·        Underground cabling for better aesthetic look.

·        Capacitors for PF improvement & loss reduction.

With above works, losses can be reduced by controlling theft, controlling overload, minimizing unbalance, improving Power Factor etc. Also break down will be minimised & reliability of power will improve.

Apart from R-APDRP scheme, GoI has also introduced following program for sustained development of Electricity Distribution Sector:

1.  Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yajna (RGGVY:

·         Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana was launched in April-05.

·         Under the programme 90% grant is provided by Govt. of India and 10% as loan by REC to the State Governments.

The RGGVY aims at:

·         Electrifying all villages and habitations as per new definition.

·         Providing access to electricity to all rural households

·         Providing electricity Connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families free of charge

Infrastructure under RGGVY :

·         Rural Electricity Distribution Backbone (REDB) with 33/11 KV (or 66/11 KV) sub-station of adequate capacity in blocks where these do not exist.

·         Village Electrification Infrastructure (VEI) with provision of distribution transformer of appropriate capacity in villages/habitations.

·         Decentralized Distributed Generation (DDG) Systems based on conventional & non conventional energy sources where grid supply is not feasible or cost-effective.

Implementation Methodology and conditions under RGGVY :

·         Preparation of District based detailed project reports for execution on turnkey basis.

·         Involvement of central public sector undertakings of power ministry in implementation of some projects.

·         Certification of electrified village by the concerned Gram Panchayat.

·         Deployment of franchisee for the management of rural distribution for better consumer service and reduction in losses.

·         Undertaking by States for supply of electricity with minimum daily supply of 6- 8 hours of electricity in the RGGVY network.

·         Making provision of requisite revenue subsidy by the state.

·         Determination of Bulk Supply Tariff (BST) for franchisee in a manner that ensures commercial viability.

·         Three tier quality monitoring Mechanism for XI Plan Schemes made mandatory.

·         Web based monitoring of progress.

·         Release of funds linked to achievement of pre-determined milestones.

·         Electronic transfer of funds right up to the contractor level.

·         Notification of Rural Electrification Plans by the state governments.

2.  National Electricity Fund:

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved setting up of the National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy Scheme) to provide interest subsidy etc. aggregating to Rs.8466 crore for a period of 14 years for projects of electricity distribution sector.


The National Electricity Fund (Interest Subsidy Scheme) is being set up to provide interest subsidy on loans to be disbursed to the Distribution Companies (DISCOMS) - both in the public and private sector, to improve the distribution network for areas not covered by Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) and Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) project areas, The preconditions for eligibility are linked to certain reform measures taken by the States and the amount of interest subsidy is linked to the progress achieved in reforms linked parameters.

3.     Financial Restructuring of State Distribution Companies :

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the scheme for Financial Restructuring of State Distribution Companies (Discoms). The scheme contains various measures required to be taken by State Discoms and State Governments for achieving the financial turnaround of the Discoms by restructuring their debt with support through a transitional finance mechanism by the Central Government. Support under the scheme will be available for all participating State owned Discoms on fulfilling certain mandatory conditions.

The salient features of the scheme are as follows:

a)     50 percent of the outstanding short term liabilities upto March 31, 2012 to be taken over by State Governments. This shall be first converted into bonds to be issued by Discoms to participating lenders, duly backed by State Governments guarantee.

b)    Takeover of liability by State Governments from Discoms in the next 2-5 years by way of special securities and repayment and interest payment to be done by State Governments till the date of takeover.

c)     Restructuring the balance 50 percent Short Term Loan by rescheduling loans and providing moratorium on principal and the best possible terms for this restructuring to ensure viability of this effort.

d)     The restructuring/reschedulement of loan is to be accompanied by concrete and measurable action by the Discoms/States to improve the operational performance of the distribution utilities.

e)     For monitoring the progress of the turnaround plan, two committees at State and Central levels respectively are proposed to be formed.

f)      Central Government will provide incentive by way of grant equal to the value of the additional energy saved by way of accelerated AT&C loss reduction beyond the loss trajectory specified under RAPDRP and capital reimbursement support of 25 percent of principal repayment by the State Governments on the liability taken over by the State Governments under the scheme.

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