Energy assessments of a photovoltaic-wind-battery system for residential appliances in Iraq

Abstract

A shortage of electricity is reported in Iraq owing to several challenges in generation, transmission, and distribution of its power systems, subjecting households to periodic blackouts on a daily basis. Consequently, diesel generators in Iraqi districts are utilized to provide electricity for residential appliances using private cabling networks. Alternatively, this paper proposes a photovoltaic-wind-battery system to supply electricity for individual appliances, while measuring the state of charge of its batteries during 8, 12 and 16 h of daily blackouts in Iraq. Power curves of wind turbines and solar panels are assessed based on meteorological conditions, whereas electrical loads of air conditioning units are modelled considering several parameters such as building characteristics. Simulation results demonstrate that, on average over a month, the proposed photovoltaic-wind-battery system is able to generate 226 kWh of renewable energy, decreasing electricity bills by 56,000 IQD and reducing CO2 emissions by 181 kg. The proposed system achieves savings by generating electricity during power interruptions instead of utilizing diesel generators in Iraqi districts. Accordingly, the operational savings of the photovoltaic-wind-battery system accumulated over three years have capability to compensate its capital cost, considering prices of electricity and CO2 emission.