Towards A Microgrid Based Residential Home Energy Management Using Genetic Algorithm

This paper proposes a load scheduling approach for a residential home in an islanded PV microgrid scenario based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA). The primary aim is to inform on how a Demand Side Management (DSM) could reduce the capital cost of the residential home energy use and operational cost of the microgrid by minimizing the use of fossil fuel generator. The research study proposes and describes the design for load allocation to achieve utilization of solar PV resources optimally. The proposed scheme is based on the time-of-use (TOU) and improvement of electricity users' comfort. The demonstration of the concept is presented and discussed based on a single smart home scenario using a solar PV microgrid and battery in a rural community of Enugu State, Nigeria.