“Are Distributed Energy Systems Optimal In India?” Narayanan Komerath Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA 30332-0150 komerath@gatech.edu Padma Komerath SCV Inc Alpharetta, GA 30022 ABSTRACT This paper explores the hypothesis that solutions based on distributed intelligence, investment and effort are more optimal for India than the textbook solutions that are based on the assumed economies of scale of centralized plants. Following general explorations of the reasons for today’s status, the paper summarizes prospects for different technological approaches. The particular case of wind energy is explored in detail, first showing why the traditional approach chooses massive turbines. An approach based on small turbines is then proposed. It is argued that such an approach will open doors to integrating the diverse technologies and resources into a comprehensive nation-wide solution. The net present value of national investment is used as a simple metric to compare approaches. KEYWORDS: MICRO WIND ENERGY, DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM, TURBINE INDEX WORDS: MICRO WIND ENERGY, DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM 1. INTRODUCTION Dutch windmills of the 19 th century (see Figure 1) were as small as a modern 3-storeyed building[1]. Despite their crude wooden blades, iron parts and abysmally low aerodynamic efficiency, their effectiveness as the elements of a national energy architecture is obvious. The point of this paper is that this humbling thought is worth thinking, as much of the world struggles for energy independence. 1.1 OBJECTIVES Each crisis brings out well-meaning but highly optimistic opinions on miracle cures, and this paper is no exception in its underlying motivation. The objectives are 2-fold. The first is to understand the key numbers and issues of the Indian primary energy market, the reasons and constraints driving past and present decisions, the dangers and the opportunities. As such the introduction is long. The second is to explore in simple terms, the prospects as well as the challenges for implementing one partial “miracle cure” that may be embraced by a large part of the Indian population. ARE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY SYSTEMS OPTIMAL IN INDIA?