Integrated management framework for performance challenges in rural off-grid microgrids: Addressing deterioration in electrification systems

Abstract

Rural off-grid electrification systems have gained increasing attention, particularly in developing countries with vast rural areas. It is known that many established microgrids (MG) in rural areas are being challenged with a complex cost situation and numerous rural interferences, leading to various microgrid performance deteriorations, which are barely unchecked and lead to MG early failure. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a management framework to provide elaborate information and systematic analysis of the potential deterioration of rural off-grid microgrids. This study summarizes, identifies, categorizes, and addresses the challenges encountered in the rural off-grid MG and then highlights crucial issues that correlate to the potential deterioration. The challenges encountered in these MGs emphasize three key domains: financial, community, and technical. Financial challenges encompass funding continuity and item procurement, while community issues focus on the readiness of local operators and communication between stakeholders. Technical challenges include component deterioration and power system degradation. Notably, the findings highlight the connections amongst these domains, where unaddressed financial issues and uncommunicated community issues eventually impact the technical domain, thereby impairing power system performance. It is envisaged that the management framework of this research holds significant importance as it provides valuable insights for operators and managerial collaborators in tackling rural deterioration challenges during the operation of off-grid electrification.