Water-Energy Off-Grid Systems Design Using a Dominant Stakeholder Approach

This work addresses the design and operation of off-grid energy-water systems in low-income communities. A multiobjective nonlinear programming model for defining the size and operational policy for supplying power and water utilities in a low-income community is presented. The managing of energy-water surplus considers the use of batteries and water pumped technologies. The concept of dominant stakeholder, as the main participant in the multicriteria decision environment, is introduced. Factors such as power balance and asymmetry, as well as correlation of forces, are considered in the modeling. The results show the compromise solutions and the dissatisfaction levels for all the participants and the potential configurations for defining a solution based on equilibrium assumption and the dominant stakeholder. As a case study, the demands of energy and water, as well as ambient conditions, from a community in Pacific Coast from Mexico, are presented. The water-energy demands are met using solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and rainwater harvesting collectors. Impacts of land usage associated with forest biomass losses and carbon capture potentials are addressed.