Optimization of Electric Transmission Line Routing for a Renewable Energy Based Micro-Grid System using Geographic Information System (GIS) Spatial Analysis

In this study, GIS spatial analyst tools are used to implement an alternative method of electric transmission line (ETL) routing for a renewable energy-based microgrid system. Multiple criteria, starting points and endpoints were identified and a weighted ranking system and suitability index for geographic factors were utilized to create the cost surface. A modified method from the Electric Power Research Institute-Georgia Transmission Corporation (EPRI-GTC) is also adopted for the overhead electric transmission line siting and necessary changes were applied based on the available data and authors' review on the study area. After applying the Least Cost Path (LCP) algorithm, the results produced three alternative routes based on three perspectives: The built environment, natural environment, and engineering environment. The alternative routes are then overlaid based on a simple combined perspective to create the final route. Moreover, the alternative routes are evaluated to provide a secondary route and the routes developed by engineering perspective were nominated.