Smart Grid as a Potential Solution for Problems of Local Electric Network in Tulkarem City/ Palestine
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Date
2017-08-23
Authors
الجلاد, محمد يوسف مسعود
Journal Title
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
In the twenty-first century, the most critical and important issues relating to energy systems are smart grid technologies and renewable energy technologies. The development of the current centralized generation in the form of distributed generation and smart grids offers a great opportunity to eliminate many issues related to energy efficiency, energy security, energy quality and the defect of the outdated energy system infrastructure. The current electrical systems in Palestine are decades old and dependent upon equipment that is approaching the end of its usable life. Smart grid gives an opportunity to update power network infrastructure, ensuring that safety standards continue to be met, that power is delivered consistently, and that the system is managed efficiently.
For the specific case of Tulkarem city, the power network suffers of major problems. These problems include peak load violation, high technical and non-technical losses, lack of control over loads and the new evolving distributed generation. Peak demand puts considerable stress on the grid, increasing the risk of blackouts in very hot or cold days. It also significantly raises the year-round price of power for consumers. Better information and decision-making during times of peak demand could significantly reduce generation costs and the risk of power outages.
In this thesis, the researcher studied the possible strategies for converting the existing grid in Tulkarem to a smart grid. Some demonstrated technologies will have a part pretty in pushing ahead. This incorporates advanced digital meters (Smart meter), low-cost communication systems, distribution automation, and distributed energy resources. At the end, the researcher investigated the possibility to solve the chronic problems of existing power grid. Through data analysis and simulation, the researcher proves that it is possible to reduce peak loads and flatten the daily load curve by using an integral approach that includes smart metering, load control, distributed generation of PV systems and reasonable energy storage. This approach only possible with a smart grid with a suitable data communication network.