Optimizing microwind rural electrification projects. A case study in Peru

Electrification systems based on the use of renewable energy sources are suitable for providing electricity to isolated communities autonomously. Specifically, electrification by wind power is one of the technological options that have been used recently in projects implemented in the Andean highlands of Peru. To date, these projects have tended to install individual microwind turbines at each demand point. Alternatively, we propose a solution that considers both individual generators and microgrids. We develop a mathematical model that gives the location and size or type of the wind turbines and the design of the microgrids, taking into account the demand of the consumption points and the wind potential. The criterion is the minimization of the initial investment cost required to meet the demand. The model is validated by application to a real case in the northern highlands of Peru. Results show that microgrids are used despite the village dispersion, and the solutions significantly reduce the initial investment costs.