Freeware GIS tool for the techno-economic evaluation of rural electrification alternatives

Mirelys Torres-Pérez; Javier Domínguez Bravo; Cesar Hernández Leyva; Marieta Peña Abreu

doi:10.31648/aspal.5821

Published: 2021-02-031

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2021)

Freeware GIS tool for the techno-economic evaluation of rural electrification alternatives

Mirelys Torres-Pérez

, Javier Domínguez Bravo

, Cesar Hernández Leyva

, Marieta Peña Abreu

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.5821

Abstract

Energy access is a crucial step for the socio-economic development of isolated communities and for preventing disease and fight pandemics across many parts of the world. In this research, is presented a freeware GIS tool for the techno-economic evaluation of rural electrification alternatives, based on a plugin for the QGIS (Quantum GIS) called LECGIS. The tool carries out an implementation of the IntiGIS model to perform the calculations, a flexible model capable of adapting to the realities of different scenarios. In addition, it allows the clustering of isolated houses, for a better modelling of the cost of the centralized systems. It is described the application of this tool in the Guamá (Cuba) case study and the comparisons of the results with the obtained in Intigis 1.0. It is concluded that the LECGIS plugin allows to calculate and compare seven technological options for the electrification of communities, supporting the decision-making in the planning of rural electrification projects.

Keywords:

rural electrification, Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Renewable Energy Sources (RES), decision supporting tool, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), IntiGIS

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Torres-Pérez, M., Domínguez Bravo, J., Hernández Leyva, C., & Peña Abreu, M. (2021). Freeware GIS tool for the techno-economic evaluation of rural electrification alternatives. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.5821

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Mirelys Torres-Pérez

mirelystp@gmail.com
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7266-420X

Affiliation:

University of Las Tunas Cuba

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Ing. in Informatics Sciences, University of Informatics Sciences (UCI) 2010. Master of Science in Applied Informatics, Las Tunas University (ULT) 2018. Works as a professor of the informatics engineering career at ULT. She is a student of the Informatics Science PhD at the University of Informatics Sciences (UCI).

Javier Domínguez Bravo

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9677-7265

Affiliation:

Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) Spain

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Phd degree in Geography at the Complutense University of Madrid. Senior Researcher in the Division of Renewable Energies, Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT). Works in the development of scientific and technical research in the field of the application of GIS to renewable energy. Training of researchers and postgraduates in this field in collaboration with national and international academic institutions. Scientific dissemination in the field of renewable energy and participation in national and international committees.

Cesar Hernández Leyva

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3605-6191

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Computer Engineer from the University of Las Tunas. Master in Applied Informatics, from the University of Las Tunas. He currently works as Independent researcher in Aviles, province of Asturias, Spain

Marieta Peña Abreu

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7714-2205

Affiliation:

University of Informatics Sciences (UCI) Cuba

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

PhD degree in informatics at University of Informatics Sciences (UCI). Vice-dean for research and postgraduate studies at Faculty 3 at the UCI.