In the heart of Indonesia, a small village named Suka Damai is tackling a big problem: voltage drop in its medium-voltage electricity network. Located about 35 kilometers from the Batulicin Main Substation, the village experiences significant voltage drop, which can damage electrical equipment and hinder industrial development. But a recent study led by Venus Septa Yuan Adhitya from Universitas Indonesia offers a promising solution that could reshape the energy landscape in similar regions.
The study, published in the International Journal of Electrical, Energy, and Power Systems Engineering, explores the integration of a biogas power plant with a solar power plant to mitigate voltage drop. The palm oil processing plant in Suka Damai Village already operates a waste treatment facility that can generate electricity. However, the biogas power plant’s reliance on palm oil waste, which fluctuates daily, prevents a continuous, full-capacity supply.
“Our research aims to find the most cost-effective investment strategy to ensure a consistent green energy supply,” Adhitya explains. The study compares investment costs for supplementing the biogas power plant with a solar power plant, which would activate when the biogas plant cannot operate at full capacity.
The research involves designing the power plants and medium-voltage network and analyzing the operational impact on voltage drop using ETAP software. Three simulation scenarios involving both solar and biogas power plants are assessed to identify the most efficient distribution option to reduce voltage drop to below 10 percent.
The implications of this research extend beyond Suka Damai Village. As Adhitya notes, “This study provides a model for other regions facing similar challenges. By integrating renewable energy sources, we can enhance network reliability, minimize distribution losses, and support industrial development.”
The commercial impacts for the energy sector are significant. The integration of biogas and solar power plants can provide a stable and reliable energy supply, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. This approach can also attract investment in renewable energy projects, creating new opportunities for energy companies.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of optimizing power plant design and distribution networks to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, such strategies will be crucial in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
In conclusion, Adhitya’s research offers a promising solution to the challenge of voltage drop in medium-voltage electricity networks. By integrating biogas and solar power plants, we can enhance network reliability, minimize distribution losses, and support industrial development. This study provides a model for other regions facing similar challenges and highlights the importance of optimizing power plant design and distribution networks to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.