Application and Use-Cases for a Smart Distribution Grid in Developing Countries

In response to the pressing issues of climate change and the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement, there is a global push to increase the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in our energy mix. However, these sources fluctuate widely and must be actively controlled to prevent the energy grid from descending into chaos. Smart grids, which are currently being extensively developed worldwide, offer a solution to this challenge. These grids leverage AI optimization algorithms and are made possible by recent advances in embedded microcontrollers and low power modulation techniques. These technological advancements have significantly reduced the cost of the required monitoring solutions, making smart grids a feasible option even for energy systems in developing countries, which are often chaotic. This paper presents a smart grid solution specifically designed for such unorganized energy systems. It is based on a low-cost monitoring installation for the distribution grid that was field-tested in the city of Harar in Eastern Ethiopia. The solution offers a practical approach for imbalance loading and loss analysis, paving the way for more stable and efficient energy systems in developing regions.