Techno-Economic Design and Control Strategies for Microgrid Implementation for Power Line Communication

Abstract

This dissertation presents techno-economic strategies for Microgrid implementation in Nigeria, leveraging Power Line Communication (PLC) technology to enhance energy efficiency, reliability, and data collection. Simulation results show PLC signals attenuate exponentially with distance, decreasing to 0.607 times the original amplitude at 500 meters and 0.368 times at 1000 meters, with an attenuation of 8.68 dB and phase shift of 628.3 radians over 1000 meters. A case study of a Microgrid in Afikpo North Housing Estate, Ebonyi State, comprising 17 kW solar PV, 5 kW wind, and 67.2 kWh battery storage, demonstrates economic feasibility in Nigeria. The microgrid achieves a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of ₦47.90/kWh, generates 90,401.27 kWh/year with zero unmet load, and yields an internal rate of return of 4.41%. The system avoids ₦5.26 million in grid costs, has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1,200 hours, and reduces CO₂ emissions by 42 tons/year. The study confirms third-party Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) models are most financially feasible, highlighting the importance of flexible payment systems and effective collection for long-term viability. Field data and literature review validate the system's adaptability to regional factors like nocturnal breezes and harmattan dust. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders deploying Microgrids as a sustainable solution to Nigeria's energy challenges. The PLC signal attenuation is justified by simulation results, which show exponential decay with distance. The Microgrids economic feasibility is justified by the case study of Afikpo North Housing Estate, Ebonyi State. The LCOE of ₦47.90/kWh, yearly generation of 90,401.27 kWh, and IRR of 4.41% are justified by the Microgrids performance data and financial analysis. The avoided grid costs of ₦5.26 million and CO₂ emissions reduction of 42 tons/year are justified by calculations based on the Microgrids performance and comparison with traditional grid-based energy. The statement on third-party PPA models being most financially feasible is justified by the case study's financial analysis and comparison of payment models. The research's validity is reinforced by use of real-world data from the Afikpo North Housing Estate Microgrid, Simulation results for PLC signal attenuation, Comparison with existing literature on Microgrids and regional factors.