An IoT-Enabled Smart Net-Metering System for Real-Time Analysis of Renewable Energy Generation in MATLAB/Simulink

Solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems are becoming increasingly prevalent as a means of household renewable energy generation (REG), aiming to achieve net-zero energy (NZE) buildings. However, the current energy meters installed in most households are ill-suited for implementing net-metering due to their inability to handle bi-directional energy flow. Additionally, these meters lack Internet of Things (IoT) integration for real-time analysis of energy flow. Even newer energy meters that support net metering do not provide REG owners with the convenience of tracking and controlling net-metering operations. This paper proposes a solution to this research problem by presenting a MATLAB/Simulink-based simulation model for an IoT-enabled smart net-metering system. The simulation model comprises an SPV source, a wind source, and a diesel generator interconnected with the residential load and grid. To facilitate real-time monitoring, the system incorporates a display screen that functions like a smartphone application. The application connects to the Things Speak server, where energy flow data are uploaded. Furthermore, the application allows the utility to control REG power supply during maintenance or faults using IoT capabilities. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the IoT-enabled metering scheme in scenarios involving bidirectional energy flow, showcasing its ability to provide real-time analysis of the system's performance.