Abstract:
This study presents the design and modeling of a solar PV smart grid with EMS for remote area electrification. The case study focuses on the Dek island community located in lake Tana. The community consists of 1,152 households, and the total demand load is 206 kW. Additionally, the smart grid incorporates smart meters and central control, and the modeling and simulation using MATLAB Simulink. This study will involve the development of mathematical models for the various components of the system, including solar PV arrays, battery storage, inverters. The study discuss in detail for AC smart off grid system of design, simulation performance evaluation with economic feasibility analysis of the system in remote area electrification. The solar resources and weather data collected from primary and secondary resources to test and analyze the performance of the system. The battery use to balance the demand and renewable power generation. MATLAB Simulink toolbox use to model the solar PV, battery bank and conversion systems like DC-DC converters, and inverter with controller of each component. The system model individual components and analyze the system voltage stability for proper function of the off grid. Furthermore, the proposed system empowers the community by providing access to electricity, which enhances education, communication, and access to information. It opens up opportunities for various community development initiatives, such as healthcare centers, schools, and other essential services, further improving the standard of living and overall well-being of the residents.
In conclusion, the implementation of a solar PV smart grid with an EMS, featuring solar PV array capacity of 283 kW, inverter 260 kW, and battery capacity of 600,000Ah, with the system integrates 1,155 smart meters with RF for centralized control. In this study, the economic evaluations are performed using HOMER Software and assess the affordability of a community electricity energy cost is $0.082/kWh,which is feasible through design period.
Keywords: Solar PV-battery smart grid, EMS, Remote area electrification, Smart meters, Central concentrator, Load demand, Solar PV array, Inverter, Battery bank.