Offgridders

Simulation of self-sufficient power supply systems

How does Offgridders help?

The simulation tool Offgridders generates a model of a user-defined power supply system, optimizes the capacities of the generation, storage and electrical components of the system and then performs a deployment optimization of the optimized capacities. It is particularly suitable for comparing different electrification options and site comparisons.

Who is the tool suitable for?

Offgridders is suitable for stakeholders who

• want to plan, analyze and optimize self-sufficient power supply systems
• want to compare a (large) number of locations with regard to potential power supply systems
• want to take into account blackouts or permitted power supply gaps

How does Offgridders work?

Offgridders uses the Open Energy Modeling Framework (oemof). It uses linearized component models. Users can use it to allow a defined annual shortfall or enforce a share of renewable energy or system stability requirements.

What examples are there of its use?

RLI scientists have used Offgridders for the “Nigeria Pre-Feasibility Assessment of Co-Located Mini-Grids and Investments in Agro-Processing” to optimize an automated process.

In the publication “Overcoming the Bottleneck of Unreliable Grids: Increasing Reliability of Household Supply with Decentralized Backup Systems (Hoffmann et al. 2020)”, Offgridders was used to determine the optimal grid-supporting capacities of multiple backup systems.

In the publication “Multicriteria-based methodology for the design of rural electrification systems. A case study in Nigeria”, Offgridders was supplemented by a multi-criteria analysis.

In the book chapter “Assessment of micro grid potential in Southeast Asia based on the application of geospatial and micro grid simulation and planning tools”, Offgridders was compared with other planners for self-sufficient energy systems, namely Homer and the Simple Planning Tool.

As part of the “Congo Epala Phase 3” project, the Offgridders software is being used to pursue two main objectives. Firstly, it is used to assess the potential for self-sufficient energy supply using photovoltaic (PV) battery systems at selected locations of the local electricity grid operator SNEL and the Technical University ISTA in Kinshasa. Secondly, feasibility studies for PV mini-grids are being carried out with Offgridders in order to develop strategies for the electrification of previously unserved and very remote communities.

In the EnerSHelF project, the Offgridders tool was used to develop a data-driven strategy for the electrification and introduction of PV hybrid systems in healthcare facilities and surrounding communities in Ghana. The aim is not only to improve the energy supply in health facilities, but also to include the surrounding communities. The results were published in the paper “Increasing electricity access for health facilities in Ghana through solar powered mini-grids-a GIS-based energy system modelling approach” and are visualised on the interactive web map at https://enershelf.rl-institut.de/.

How can Offgridders be used?

The program code is written in the Python3 programming language and is freely available on the GitHub online service. The input data is defined via an Excel document and csv documents for time series, whereby the script itself must be executed via a terminal window.

Graphical interfaces without a setup process are available for Offgridders, in particular through the Offgridplanner, an online tool in which many of the tool’s features are implemented.