Optimum PV distributed generation based on grid and geographical area: A case study of Aden governorate, Yemen

Recently, the global trend has increased to use renewable energies more widely. Several factors have helped the development of this sector, including generous investment, the country's strategy and strong will, and increasing public awareness. Photovoltaic is one of the most common and widely used types of energy. In the current status, this source is the available option that the population of Yemen depends on as a result of the deterioration of the frequent power service from the national grid and the periodic economic crises. However, most Yemen-related studies are confined to off-grid systems. Such systems would increase the financial burden on citizens with limited income.This study works to improve the electric grid performance by injecting three photovoltaic-based distributed generations (PV-DG) in Aden, Yemen. The authors have proposed three distinct cases, each of which involves the implementation of four methodologies, categorized into primary and secondary approaches. Primary methods encompass the optimal geographical PV site selection and PV-DG allocation (size and bus bar in the grid). Secondary methods include the initial PV design and the Least Costly Path Model (LCPM). The workflow begins with identifying suitable locations using the AHP-WLC method with GIS. Subsequently, optimal PV-DG sizes and bus bars are determined using the ABC algorithm to minimize power loss. The third stage involves PV design to refine the search area, and the final stage utilizes LCPM to determine the best option among optimal geolocations.The most suitable PV geolocations are found on 204. 38 km2 for the first and second cases, while 76. 28 km2 for the third case. Even though case (3) generates less area, this is more acceptable due to the neglect of evaluation climate criteria. In contrast, the total injected active power is determined about 15.7 MW and 26 MW for cases (1) and (2 and 3), respectively. Even though the small size is found in case (1), the considering partial grid allows more flexibility. Based on the results obtained, the authors are confident that the current study will mitigate the burden on the national grid and thus improve the individual's life. Furthermore, the proposed methods can be considered one of the bases for further studies of other technologies of renewable energy.