Article: Community-coupled microgrids for the implementation of a smart grid in Tunisia Journal: International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy (IJETP) 2014 Vol.10 No.3/4 pp.183 - 199 Abstract: Smart grids are based on the use of ICT in order to optimise the quality and the cost of electricity generation, transport and distribution. Developing countries try to upgrade their electric grids to meet the evolving needs of the end consumers and face the energy challenge. The study of smart grid instauration in such countries must consider the disparity in terms of ICT infrastructures across regions or districts. The economic issues are very significant. It is so difficult to establish an optimal global solution that satisfies all electric energy market stakeholders. In this work, we propose a strategy to initiate the institution of a smart grid in Tunisia. We describe the different current offers of the Tunisian electricity market and propose a specific approach based on the use of the concept of community-coupled microgrids managed by the electricity service provider (ESP) which further enhances the relationship with the end customer and promote the use and integration of renewables. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Community-coupled microgrids for the implementation of a smart grid in Tunisia

Authors: Khaled Taouil; Tarek Jellad; Zied Chtourou

Addresses: Machine Control and Power Grid Unit, The National School of Engineers of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax route de soukra 3038, Tunisia ' Machine Control and Power Grid Unit, The National School of Engineers of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax route de soukra 3038, Tunisia ' Machine Control and Power Grid Unit, The National School of Engineers of Sfax, Sfax University, Sfax route de soukra 3038, Tunisia

Abstract: Smart grids are based on the use of ICT in order to optimise the quality and the cost of electricity generation, transport and distribution. Developing countries try to upgrade their electric grids to meet the evolving needs of the end consumers and face the energy challenge. The study of smart grid instauration in such countries must consider the disparity in terms of ICT infrastructures across regions or districts. The economic issues are very significant. It is so difficult to establish an optimal global solution that satisfies all electric energy market stakeholders. In this work, we propose a strategy to initiate the institution of a smart grid in Tunisia. We describe the different current offers of the Tunisian electricity market and propose a specific approach based on the use of the concept of community-coupled microgrids managed by the electricity service provider (ESP) which further enhances the relationship with the end customer and promote the use and integration of renewables.

Keywords: community-coupled microgrids; smart grids; electricity service providers; ESPs; Petri nets; Homer; dispatch strategies; energy technology; Tunisia; modelling; developing countries; renewable energy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2014.066873

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2014 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.183 - 199

Received: 09 Jan 2014
Accepted: 04 Apr 2014
Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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Title: Community-coupled microgrids for the implementation of a smart grid in Tunisia

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