A Smart Mini-Grid (SMG) is an intelligent electricity distribution network, operating at or below 11 KV, where the energy demand is effectively and intelligently managed by diverse range of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar PV, micro-hydro power plants, wind turbines, biomass, small conventional generators such as diesel gensets etc. in combination with each other through smart control techniques.
TERI has a competence to develop and demonstrate distributed generation based smart mini-grid models and control techniques and to demonstrate how smarter control of distributed energy sources combined with intelligent management of loads can improve the efficiency and reliability of the overall mini-grid system. Also, lab has facility to test the inverter.
Infrastructure
TERI has a smart grid laboratory situated at Gual Pahari to conduct the demonstration based on the smart mini grid models.
Grid simulator, solar array simulator
Installed smart mini grid 
Inverter testing in the smart mini grid labProjects
Design and Pilot Implementation of Renewable Energy based Smart Mini-Grid Systems in Rajasthan (India) and Nepal
Duration September 2013 - March 2014
Sponsor Asian Development Bank
Objective: The objective is to "Pilot demonstration of the renewable energy based smart mini-grid systems in selected locations in Rajasthan (India) and Nepal, and showcase how the intelligent control and effective management system improve the efficiency, reliability and flexibility of the overall mini-grid system"
Commercialization of Smart Mini Grids in India: development of a financial framework
Duration: July 2013 - December 2014
Sponsor Department for International Development
Objective: To develop a financial framework for commercialization of Smart-Mini-Grids in India: For urban building complex RATIONALE
- Aggressive work is going on in the smart grids space. A lot of mini grids have been implemented in India. Seeing this potential (urban & rural), smart mini grids have a definite prospective in India.
- With the benefits of SMG, there is a need for a specific financial framework as the first step for commercialization of Smart Mini Grids in India.
Implementation of Solar PV based Smart Mini Grids in five off-grid villages of Dhenkanal district, Odisha
Duration July 2013 - January 2014
Sponsor Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (RECL)
Objective: Solar PV based mini-grids are being implemented in a cluster of 5 villages (Rajanga, Kanaka, Baguli, Chadoi and Rajanga Hamlet) in Dhenkanal district of Odisha. These villages lie inside the Kandhara Reserve Forest, are comprised of 100% tribal population and are completely off-grid. The project is designed and implemented by TERI, with support from a grassroots NGO partner, IRADA based out of Bhubaneshwar. The project aims to provide household lighting and mobile charging services, and promote livelihood generation activities through the provision of clean energy. This sub-project is being implemented under the OASYS South Asia project, supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and DfID. While EPSRC and DfID are providing 80% of the project grant, the remaining 20% of the grant is being provided by Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), India.
Design Consultancy Services for Smart Mini Grid (SMG) System at L&T, Kanchipuram Campus.
Duration January - June 2013
Sponsor Larsen & Toubro Limited, Construction
Objective:
- Load Profiling and Load Categorization: Hourly load profiling for a typical day categorizing the load based on load profiles;
- Renewable Energy Resource Profiling: Estimation of solar and wind power potential;
- Resource and Technology Optimization: Assessing the optimum usage of available technologies and resources;
- Design of Smart Mini Grid System: Developing the optimum load dispatch strategies; finalizing the necessary automation requirements; design the entire Smart Mini Grid system;
- Developing Controller Interface for Smart Mini Grid System: Design and develop the customized package for dispatch controller; 6.. Post Installation Services: Operationalize and Commissioning the Smart Mini Grid System.
Accelerating the deployment of smart mini-grid based on distributed generation technologies in AP6 countries
Duration May 2009 - December 2010
Sponsor Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Objective: The aim of this project is to develop and demonstrate distributed generation based smart mini-grid models and control techniques which would be applicable to Indian sites/conditions and demonstrate how smarter control of distributed energy sources combined with intelligent management of loads can improve the efficiency and reliability of the overall mini-grid system.
Rural electrification with grid quality power using solar photovoltaic technology based mini-grids in ecologically fragile and geographically inaccessible areas
Duration: June - November 2001
Sponsor Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj
Objective: To develop a project brief on rural electrification with Grid Quality Power using Solar Photovoltaic technology based mini-grids in ecologically fragile and geographically inaccessible areas. The project proposes to identify and analyze critical barriers to rural electrification based on PV mini-grids in those ecologically fragile and geographically inaccessible areas where PV is the most viable option among all renewables; develop an alternate approach ti energy services delivery mechanisms, include income generating activities and link them with payment collection.
Technical and economic assessment of grid, mini-grid, and off-grid electrification technologies collaborating with
Duration August 2004 - May 2005
Sponsor Toyo Engineering Corporation, Japan
Objective: To identify, characterize and assess the technical, economic and commercial prospects for electricity generation and delivery technologies to serve rural, peri-urban, and urban population in developing countries.
Accelerating the deployment of smart mini-grid based on distributed generation technologies in AP6 countries
Duration: May 2009 - December 2010
Sponsor: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Objective: The aim of this project is to develop and demonstrate distributed generation based smart mini-grid models and control techniques which would be applicable to Indian sites/conditions and demonstrate how smarter control of distributed energy sources combined with intelligent management of loads can improve the efficiency and reliability of the overall mini-grid system.
Implementation of Solar PV based Smart Mini Grids in five off-grid villages of Dhenkanal district, Odisha collaborating with
Duration: July 2013 - January 2014
Sponsor Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (RECL)
Objective: Solar PV based mini-grids are being implemented in a cluster of 5 villages (Rajanga, Kanaka, Baguli, Chadoi and Rajanga Hamlet) in Dhenkanal district of Odisha. These villages lie inside the Kandhara Reserve Forest, are comprised of 100% tribal population and are completely off-grid. The project is designed and implemented by TERI, with support from a grassroots NGO partner, IRADA based out of Bhubaneshwar. The project aims to provide household lighting and mobile charging services, and promote livelihood generation activities through the provision of clean energy. This sub-project is being implemented under the OASYS South Asia project, supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK) and DfID. While EPSRC and DfID are providing 80% of the project grant, the remaining 20% of the grant is being provided by Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC), India.