Residential electrification design topology evaluation model - the sustainable approach for residential developments

Abstract

Residential development electrification is a key societal element which signifies development in developing countries. The impact of the residential development needs to cater not only for the current needs, but consider the future needs of the upcoming generations. Issues of importance which govern these residential developments are the decisions which are taken during the planning phases. It is thus, with this context in mind that this dissertation seeks to provide a tool in the form of an evaluation model to aid electrical supply authorities and developers on the decision of the applicable electrical design topology implemented in residential developments. The model is developed from a consultancy perspective as a working tool in order to increase profitability and to rationalise the decision on the network design topology to be implemented in residential developments. The criteria used in the evaluation model shall firstly ensure that the load requirements of the development are fulfilled and incorporate elements of sustainability throughout the electrical infrastructure life cycle. A review of the paths taken by developed nations and lessons applicable to the particular design environment shall form part of this document. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) shall be adopted with the implementation of the evaluation model. AHP is a multi-criteria decision-making methodology which uses pair-wise comparison to determine a logical objective. On the successful completion of the evaluation model, a simple to use, user friendly Microsoft Excel decision-making tool shall be available to use for achieving sustainable electrification design decisions.