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Tackling complexity and problem formulation in rural electrification through conceptual modelling in system dynamics
Author(s) -
Hartvigsson Elias,
Ahlgren Erik Oscar,
Molander Sverker
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2611
Subject(s) - electrification , system dynamics , computer science , management science , rural electrification , conceptual framework , work (physics) , process (computing) , electricity , independence (probability theory) , conceptual model , operations research , industrial engineering , engineering , mathematics , artificial intelligence , sociology , electrical engineering , mechanical engineering , social science , statistics , database , operating system
Mini‐grids are considered important in order to improve access to electricity in developing countries. Their technical and organizational independence from the large national grids and their interactions with local social, economic, and environmental factors suggests that system dynamics is a useful method of analysis. However, the successful implementation of mini‐grids in rural electrification has partly been prevented due to complexity issues, making problem formulation difficult. Most problem‐solving methods, such as system dynamics, require well‐defined problems. Previous work on the problem formulation process in system dynamics is limited. This work presents a conceptual framework for tackling complexity and uncertainties in rural electrification. The conceptual framework is general and draws on research in conceptual modelling and system dynamics. The focus is on the learning that can be achieved from a system description and how it can be used to tackle complexity by reducing uncertainties and improving knowledge.