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Research Article
Optimization of a Medium-Voltage Distribution Network via Photovoltaic Integration: A Case Study of the Liouesso MT Grid
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
108-119
Received:
17 June 2025
Accepted:
30 June 2025
Published:
14 July 2025
Abstract: This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical undervoltage conditions. Unlike many studies that rely on theoretical models or synthetic datasets, this research is grounded in actual operational measurements (load profiles, nodal voltages) and high-fidelity dynamic simulations performed using the PSAT toolbox within the MATLAB environment. Two operating scenarios are evaluated: the baseline network performance without PV injection, and a modified configuration including active solar power injection at a strategically selected node (Bus 18). The results show that such controlled integration not only improves the voltage profile eliminating undervoltages below 0.95 p.u. but also significantly reduces active line losses (by 15 to 20 %), all while complying with international power quality standards such as IEC 61000-4-30 and EN 50160. The adopted methodological approach combines topological analysis, dynamic electrotechnical modeling, and empirical data utilization, thereby offering a robust operational framework for optimal PV sizing and siting in weakly interconnected African networks. The study also highlights that these benefits are achieved without the need for costly compensation equipment such as STATCOMs or SVCs, reinforcing the economic feasibility of this solution for developing countries. Beyond its environmental merits, photovoltaic energy emerges in this context as a strategic tool for modernizing MT networks, contributing to enhanced voltage stability, improved power quality, and greater overall system resilience. This research thus provides actionable recommendations for energy planning and intelligent renewable integration strategies in African settings.
Abstract: This study rigorously investigates the technical implications of integrating a 3 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant into a real-world medium-voltage (MT) distribution network located in Liouesso, Republic of Congo. The targeted grid is characterized by a semi-urban infrastructure with limited dynamic compensation capabilities and frequent critical un...
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Research Article
Estimation of Pig Manure Energy Potential for Biogas Production in Forest Region in Guinea
Madeleine Kamano,
Oumar Keita*
,
Noukpo Medard Agbazo
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
120-128
Received:
24 June 2025
Accepted:
8 July 2025
Published:
28 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Biogas production from animals’ dejection is an important way to reduce energy shortages in non-developed countries. In this work we performed an estimation of pig manure energy potential for biogas production in forest region in Guinea. To achieve this objective, we first carried out a census of the pig herd in all the cities of the forest region. Then we evaluated the average daily production of pig manure per animal. At the end a physicochemical characterization of pig manure is done and an estimation of the pig manure energy potential is computed for all the cities of then forest region of Guinea. A comparison between modern and local pig manure in terms of energy potential is made. The mains results are: a) the pig herd in the cities of the forest region in Guinea are respectively: (333) for Beyla, (6 530) for Lola, (5387) for Queckedou, (23425) for Macenta, (62333) for Nzérékoré and (24313) for Youmou. The total pig herd is 122321. The average daily production of pig manure per animal (2.57 kg/day) for pig manure from modern breeding and 0.76 kg/day for those from local breeding. The parameters physicochemical parameters for modern pig manure are: humidity (50.59%), dry matter (49.4%), organic (99.4%) and carbon content (57.67%). For local pig manure the parameters; humidity (39.37%), dry matter (60.62%), organic (58.61%) and carbon content (33.99%). The maximum daily energy potential is 271.315,446094 kWh/d for Modern pig manure and 35.659,908391 Kwh/d. These values are for the Nzérékoré city.
Abstract: Biogas production from animals’ dejection is an important way to reduce energy shortages in non-developed countries. In this work we performed an estimation of pig manure energy potential for biogas production in forest region in Guinea. To achieve this objective, we first carried out a census of the pig herd in all the cities of the forest region....
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Research Article
Realization and Experimental Study of a Parabolic Trough Solar Cooker
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
129-134
Received:
24 June 2025
Accepted:
7 July 2025
Published:
28 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sjee.20251303.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Cooking food is a necessity for human beings. However, it requires a significant amount of energy. Conventional fossil fuels are the most widely used in cities. This energy is expensive, polluting, and becoming scarce. In rural areas of the Sahel countries, in particular, wood biomass is the most widely used. The use of wood biomass for cooking causes significant deforestation and respiratory diseases. These (Sahelian) countries have significant solar potential. Harnessing this virtually free energy source is essential for cooking. Solar cookers are therefore a solution to reduce fossil fuel needs and deforestation. The objective of this work is to contribute to the development of solar cookers. A solar cooker with a parabolic trough collector is designed and studied in this work. This was an experimental study. We monitored the temperature changes in certain parts of the cooker and the water heated with the device. The cooker's thermal performance was also evaluated. The results show that temperatures at the focus can reach 222°C. The temperature distribution along the focal line is relatively uniform. The useful power at the focus reaches a value of approximately 225W with a maximum instantaneous thermal efficiency of approximately 0.32. The observed efficiency is acceptable but lower than what was expected with the concentrator user.
Abstract: Cooking food is a necessity for human beings. However, it requires a significant amount of energy. Conventional fossil fuels are the most widely used in cities. This energy is expensive, polluting, and becoming scarce. In rural areas of the Sahel countries, in particular, wood biomass is the most widely used. The use of wood biomass for cooking cau...
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