As one of the largest countries in Africa, the electricity system of the Mali comprises a national network owned and operated by Energie du Mali SA (EDM SA), which supplies 35 cities, including its capital, Bamako.
As hydroelectric plants e thermals are the main sources of energy generation at national level in Mali. Although the hybrid photovoltaic systems (solar/diesel) and small-scale decentralized systems have been increasingly installed since 2011, the share of renewable energy still remains low in the country.
O average consumption It is also characterized by a strong disparity between rural and urban areas. The urban population has around 80% more access to electricity than the rural population.
To improve energy conditions for people living in isolated areas, the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) decided to install a photovoltaic system with batteries in Bamako for a town.
The plant has around 250 kWp and an existing diesel generator. The plant is expected to operate with solar as the main energy source in order to reduce fossil fuels.
According to ATESS Power, the system was commissioned and began operating in October 2021. The on-site diesel generator was switched on only once after the energy storage system came into use, and grid electricity consumption was reduced by around 20%.
System advantages
Based on the customer's peak load, and most existing loads such as A/C, pumps and motors were inductive, “therefore a design of two parallel HPS120 units with the maximum PV capacity of up to 240 kWh will be more stable and flexible”.
“The rated power of the entire system can fully meet customer demand, with the possibility of expanding the photovoltaic capacity to 180 kWp for each HPS120,” said ATESS Power.
According to the company, multiple strings of solar s can be connected to both HPS120s via the ATESS PV combiner box, and each HPS120 can receive modules with different orientations or angles.
“Due to the unstable network on site, the ATS was a necessary accessory for a seamless switch between on-grid and off-grid. When necessary, it sends a signal through dry to control the DG in the system, so the system can fulfill the automatic on/off function of the DG,” they explained.
“The smart monitoring system includes Enerlog and a cloud platform allows the customer to monitor and manage the system online with just a few taps,” the manufacturer added.
According to the company, the entire system was divided into two 20-foot containers to make it more organized. “ATESS containers are all integrated with refrigeration system to provide a suitable working environment, also with complete safety system including fire suppression system, smoke detector and exit lighting indicator to ensure safety.” finished.
