DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/23448393.22843Published:
2026-07-25Issue:
Vol. 31 No. 1 (2026): January-AprilSection:
Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications EngineeringTechnical Feasibility Analysis of DC Microgrids in a Non-Interconnected Area
Análisis de viabilidad técnica de Microrredes DC en una zona no interconectada
Keywords:
DC microgrid, Matlab, Non-interconnected zones, Distributed generation, Incremental conductance (en).Keywords:
Microrred DC, Matlab, Zonas no interconectadas, Generación distribuida, Conductancia incremental (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Context: In recent times, access to electricity in non-interconnected areas has been a constant challenge. Therefore, this article evaluates the technical feasibility of implementing direct-current (DC) microgrids in these areas, focusing on food conservation. Our evaluation focuses on the region of Chacón Playa (Timbiquí) in the Cauca Pacific, Colombia.
Method: This work analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of DC microgrids vs. alternating-current (AC) systems, selecting a radial topology for its simplicity and expandability. A simulation is performed in MATLAB-Simulink with a control system based on the incremental conductance algorithm, which incorporates solar photovoltaic generation, battery backup, power converters, and a load composed of four DC coolers.
Results: The results and simulations show that DC microgrids are effective in meeting voltage and current demands in response to changes in solar radiation and power demand. Our findings highlight the ability of DC microgrids to provide a stable and efficient power supply suitable for food conservation in non-interconnected areas.
Conclusions: DC microgrids represent a viable solution to cover energy needs in isolated areas. This study supports their implementation as a sustainable and reliable alternative, opening new opportunities for the development of regulatory frameworks that facilitate the expansion of this type of technology in similar regions.
Abstract (es)
Contexto: En los últimos tiempos, el acceso a la electricidad en zonas no interconectadas ha sido un desafío constante. Por ello, este artículo evalúa la viabilidad técnica de implementar microrredes de corriente continua (DC) en estas áreas, centrando su atención en la conservación de alimentos. Nuestra evaluación se enfoca en la región de Chancón Playa (Timbiquí) en el Pacífico del Cauca, Colombia.
Método: Este trabajo analiza las ventajas y desventajas de las microrredes DC frente a los sistemas de corriente alterna (AC), seleccionando una topología radial por su simplicidad y capacidad de expansión. Se desarrolla una simulación en MATLAB-Simulink con un sistema de control basado en el algoritmo de conductancia incremental, la cual incorpora generación solar fotovoltaica, respaldo de baterías, convertidores de potencia y una carga compuesta por cuatro refrigeradores DC.
Resultados: Los resultados y las simulaciones muestran que las microrredes DC son efectivas para satisfacer las demandas de tensión y corriente en respuesta a cambios en la radiación solar y en la demanda de potencia. Nuestros hallazgos destacan la capacidad de las microrredes DC para ofrecer un suministro de energía estable y eficiente, adecuado para la conservación de alimentos en zonas no interconectadas.
Conclusiones: Las microrredes DC representan una solución viable para cubrir las necesidades energéticas en zonas aisladas. Este estudio respalda su implementación como alternativa sostenible y confiable, abriendo nuevas oportunidades para el desarrollo de marcos regulatorios que faciliten la expansión de este tipo de tecnología en regiones similares.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Iván Felipe Muñoz Sarria, Maximiliano Bueno López
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