Smart Grid Implementation Based on Solar Generation for Load Demand Management in Najaf City, Iraq

Electrical Smart Grids (SG) contain numerous energy and operational measures, including renewable energy resources, energy efficiency resources, smart meters, and appliances. Investigating their applicability in a geographical area is important to provide a firm background to practical considerations. In this paper, the SG model is investigated, considering the available solar generation, hence enhancing residential load demand in Najaf city, Iraq. The analysis begins with an assessment of the electrical load profile characteristics, followed by choosing the optimum orientation of solar panels for the cities, which has been presented using MATLAB software. The optimum tilt angle for each month is estimated for three Photovoltaic (PV) systems of three sizes (1.5kWp, 2kWp, and 2.5 kWp). Furthermore, the study of their generation and impact on load demand is analyzed. The economic and financial analysis has been presented with payback period and benefits. The duck curve generated by the proposed PV systems is discussed. It is found that the annual demand saving of the proposed solar systems is 22%, 31%, and 36%, respectively. The hourly demand saving is presented, and it has been observed that there is overgeneration using 2kWp and 2.5 kWp PV systems, resulting in reshaping the load curve and producing the duck curve. The future work can be summarized by suggesting management of the battery system for the overgeneration.