Objective This dissemination project involves the installation of autonomous photovoltaic sources of energy to the vital distribution centres of the Island of La Desirade (Guadeloupe) in order to ensure the security of the island in the case of cyclones and more generally relztively frequent electricity supply cuts. Innovatory dimension concerns :- the use of Renewable Energies at the service of security by the installation and operation of self-commutating photovoltaic generators in case of grid failure.- the use of Renewable Energies to guarantee the vital activities of the island : Health, lodging, education and food.- the means of diffusion of aasociated themes "Renewable Energies Environment" by an Ecomuseum of local purpose.The demonstration of the viability of autonomous solar systems for the security of vital needs for the Community confronted to electricity supply shortages will permit the dissemination of such systems to all island regions and more generally for all communities supplied by small diesel grids of unreliable supply.This demonstration will also be to show the viability of energy supply systems at the service of basic needs (hospitals, schools, lodging facilities) of the communities in developing countries which do not benefit and will not benefit in the medium terml from electric grids.It is necessary to reveal the efficiency and the adaptation of a new tool at the service of the development.In total 21,5 kWc of photovoltaic modules have been installed for 18 generators.All the generators have been installed. For each grid-connected site, the photovoltaic system always keeps in charge a battery bank whose autonomy is 5 days for identified priority needs. In case of grid supply failure, due to grid breaking or fuel supply failure, the photovoltaic generator can supply priority needs on its now. Electrical distribution has two forms : 24 Vdc for lighting and refrigerating, 220 Vac-50 Hz through an inverter for other needs, so as standard grid-supplied devices. Inverter's commutation is automatic as soon as the grid supply failure occurs.Demonstration-Valorisation operations concern : generators fitting schools and colleges, as well as grid-isolated generators (remote-sites :sport grounds).For every generator, specific monitoring equipments (SUNPAC) have been used, they make performance and operation monitoring easier.They successfully fulfil their initial objectives : direct energy supply for refrigerating devices, and security supply for other equipments. In 1995, the Guadeloupian archipelago was victim to several cyclones and storms among which the most violent (level 2 alarm) were IRIS (August) - LUIS and MARYLIN (Sept.). Each time, electric supply was disturbed, but security equipments succeeded to ensure permanent electricity supply in vital sites. In 1996, 3 cyclones activates alarm 1 level, BERTHA (July) EDOUARD and FRANE (Sept.)SECURIZATION OF POPULATION REMAINS CONSEQUENTLY COMPLETELY FULFILLED.However, three inverters had to be replaced due to their quick ageing in a very aggressive environment (moisture, salinity). It would be necessary to verify if materials adapted to tropical conditions exist in the European market, and if not, to study their adapting to local conditions.The photovoltaic generators'resistance to cyclones has been demonstrated during the last passage of cyclone Hugo, they can guarantee in all conditions the running of vital services on the island.The success of the operation of the wind power plant whose rated power has been brought from 144 to 500 kW and which supplies up to 80% of the electricity needs of the island, associated to the valorisation of the solar power resource (particularly important) implied by the project, make the island of La Desirade an exemplary reference for the use of Renewable energies for La Guadeloupe, the Caribbean and more generally island regions and developing countries.This show case will be carried by the creation of an Ecomuseum also supplied by photovoltaic generators which would disseminate the results of the project within the Caribbean region under the "Renewable Energies-Environment" theme. Programme(s) ENG-THERMIE 1 - Programme (EEC) for the promotion of energy technology in Europe (THERMIE), 1990-1994 Topic(s) 6.1 - PHOTOVOLTAIC Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme DEM - Demonstration contracts Coordinator Vergnet SA EU contribution No data Address Rue Henri Dunant 6 45140 Ingre France See on map Total cost No data
