Demand Side Management

Throughout the world there are many electrical power systems, which are not interconnected. Typically ranging in size from under 10VA to 500MVA in capacity, these systems are known as mini-grids or stand-alone power systems.

With the high cost of grid extensions, such mini-grids are becoming recognised solutions for:

• Urban electrification
• Rural electrification
• Remote Area Power Systems
• Island power systems
• Islanding of grid connected system

The issues affecting the grids are primarily centred on the reliability and efficiency of the system. This is normally due to a mismatch between generation and loads, resulting in blackouts or wasteful energy dumping.

Utilising unrivalled experience in the design of mini-grids, Econnect has developed load controller technology to provide optimum power and control of mini-grids, by shedding non-essential loads whenever the system in danger of becoming overloaded. Essential loads, such as operating theatres, are protected.

At times of high availability of renewable energy resource and low demand, the energy can be usefully deployed instead of being wasted. 

Benefits of using Econnect’s Distributed Intelligent Load Controllers (DILCs) include:

• Low cost solution
• Efficient use of generation
• Prioritised loads
• 24 hour power
• No blackouts
• No wasteful dumping
• Integration of renewable energy
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced fuel consumption and costs

Project Example: Kisiizi Hospital Uganda

The steady growth in size of Kisiizi Hospital had outstripped the installed 60 kW turbine. As a result, difficulties had arisen in maintaining an uninterrupted supply for the hospital and staff residences.

Since installation of Econnect DILCs, non-essential loads are shed when demand is approaching blackout levels to prevent power being lost from high priority areas, such as operating theatres.  Blackouts are a thing of the past, essential ironing of clothes to kill tsetse fly eggs does not bring the system down and the quality of life has improved.

“I no longer know where my candles and matches are!” Sister Anne, Kisiizi Hospital

Project Example: Island of Rum, Scotland

The Scottish island of Rum has a small hydro-diesel system serving the community of 25 permanent residents, which is boosted by almost 10,000 visitors each year.

Prior to the installation of Econnect’s technology, the system had suffered regular blackouts due to overloads.  DILCs were installed to control a wide range of consumer loads.

Installation of Econnect’s load controllers eliminated blackouts, whilst saving a massive investment in new larger fossil fuel guzzling diesel generators. More hydro power can now be exploited with the money saved.

“Since installation of the load controllers on Rum, we have not suffered a single blackout due to overloading.  It allows us to increase our energy use without having to increase our generation capacity”, Tom Cane, Property Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage.

Download detailed technical specification here.