Increasing Distribution Network Capacity through Storage in Central American Countries: A Case Study

Decarbonising the energy system requires greater electrification leading to higher power demand and better and more reliable power services. These demands are challenging to meet in weak power grids where significant transmission losses are present, and the system is not very reliable. Photovoltaic (PV) installations combined with storage can relieve congestion in the industrial distribution system, improve load voltage profiles, and increase availability. If implemented on a large scale, a PV and storage system can directly impact demand management on power transmission, providing other benefits, such as increasing the capacity to absorb many renewable energies. The present paper analyses a real case in the Honduran power system. The case consists of a mining facility that requires a relatively large amount of power consumed at a constant rate, i.e., 24/7. Due to frequent blackouts, the facility is often powered by a privately owned fossil fuel-based plant. In this regard, this paper analyses the effect of a PV and storage system when it is used to substitute the fossil fuel-based power plant. The simulation results show more than 80% reduction in the distribution lines losses and an improvement in the voltage stability. Consequently, the results showed that storage could be a potential solution to response demand management and improve the electrical system performance.