RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN DECENTRALIZED MINI-GRID DIESEL POWER-SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA

Electrical energy for remote areas has traditionally been obtained fro m diesel-engine driven alternators characterised by high running costs , low efficiency and high maintenance Hybrid energy systems integrate renewable energy technologies with diesel generators, batteries, and i nverters to provide highly reliable 24-h grid quality AC power to I em ote communities. This paper describes the application of hybrid energy systems to the electrification of remote communities in Australia. Re sults from a few field installations using solar and wind power are al so included.