Novel Spatially-Aware LV Electrical Design Tool to support electrification initiatives in urban contexts

This paper proposes a procedure that can help address the challenge of achieving universal energy access by facilitating the process of electric grid planning. The focus is on LV networks adaptable for urbanized settings. It integrates spatial analysis with electric practices in order to obtain a holistic outcome for the design of the LV network. Going beyond a topological output, it selects the required circuit breakers and performs a comprehensive conductor selection considering not only loading and voltage drop, but also checking short-circuit currents (i.e. checking that circit breakers could properly detect short circuits). The procedure is then applied on St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital in Uganda, which is one of the largest non-profit hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. The hospital is currently with an aged LV network and given the evolution of the loads, it is in need of a complete redesign. Moreover, the fact that it is operated as an interconnected microgrid makes it a perfect testbed for the procedure, amplifying the importance of considering the short-circuit aspect for microgrid planning. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure to propose a solution that respects both urban layout constraints and feasible operation from the electric point of view. The energy planner is ultimately presented with a set of viable alternatives, enabling informed decision-making.