Off-grid power quality and its effects on commonly used appliances: A case study of Nepal

A significant share of Nepal’s rural population live without access to electricity, many in places where grid extension is not possible. Even where power is available, many decide not to get connected due to the unreliable supply. This study establishes the status quo of the power quality in existing rural off-grid systems in Nepal, and and estimates its effect on commonly used household appliances. The results may be used in designing more robust power systems for the rural scenario. The voltage and frequency of the studied AC off-grid systems are found to deviate substantially from government norms. The waveform has less harmonic distortion than in the reference on-grid locations. Out of the tested appliances, switched-mode power supplies and LED loads show high resilience to voltage fluctuations, whilst resistive loads are the most affected. Changes in frequency have little effect on any type of appliance tested. As the first level of household electrification often only provides lighting and tv, power quality does not become an issue as long as LED-bulbs and LED-based tv sets are used. For further appliances, an effective power management system is essential to provide reliable power supply.     «

A significant share of Nepal’s rural population live without access to electricity, many in places where grid extension is not possible. Even where power is available, many decide not to get connected due to the unreliable supply. This study establishes the status quo of the power quality in existing rural off-grid systems in Nepal, and and estimates its effect on commonly used household appliances. The results may be used in designing more robust power systems for the rural scenario....     »