Enhancing energy efficiency in government buildings through DSM strategy and solar air conditioning technology

This study presents a comprehensive demand-side management (DSM) strategy integrating solar hybrid room air conditioners (RACs) to enhance energy efficiency in government buildings in Erbil, Iraq. The present study combines experimental data collection with techno-economic modelling to determine load reduction, annual energy savings, and economic viability. The research used an AC80/260 V/100 A multifunction voltage-ampere-power-energy data logger to conduct a complete experimental evaluation between conventional RAC units and solar hybrid RAC units under identical office environments. The solar hybrid RAC system reduced electricity usage by 33.4 % and prevented the need for 136 MW of additional power generation capacity. The proposed DSM program could save around 703 GWh over ten years and achieve a net present value (NPV) of US$249.1 million, representing a benefit–cost ratio of 2.0. The research demonstrates that solar-assisted cooling technologies can effectively reduce peak demand by applying DSM programs, delay infrastructure investments in power generation, and support the penetration of renewable energy in developing countries. • Erbil, Iraq experiences sharply increasing electricity demand owing to fuel scarcity, overcrowding, and industrial activities, resulting in peak load situations during summer. • A demand-side management (DSM) program aimed at government buildings by replacing traditional room air conditioners (RACs) with solar hybrid RACs. • Comparative studies between solar hybrid and conventional RACs for office applications, with the use of NASA weather databases and real business-day cycles to simulate annual energy consumption. • It would cost US$64 million, but could postpone the construction of a 136 MW power plant worth US$230 million and achieve a net present value (NPV) of US$249.1 million. • For over 10 years, the program would avoid ∼703 GWh of generation, peak summer reduction of demand, transmission, distribution (T&D) stress relief on the grid.