Optimal Configuration and Energy Dispatch Strategies of Power Sources in Community Microgrid Under Scheduled Blackouts

Abstract

In order to embrace the integration of distributed energy resources in distribution networks, microgrids are formed. However, despite the significant performance microgrid had revealed, it still fails in providing a reliable source of energy especially when operating in islanded mode. Therefore, in an attempt to improve reliability and utilize the large amount of microgrids implemented, the idea of combining microgrids located in closed proximities, thus forming a microgrids community, became more attractive. The basic idea behind community microgrid is to connect multiple distributed energy resources, owned by several owners, in order to satisfy the community’s energy demand in the most feasible and reliable manner. However, one of the major obstacles faced when forming a microgrid community is developing its market model. Each microgrid or distributed energy resource within a microgrid community is owned by a certain owner, thus implementing a microgrid community must be accompanied by developing a market model which governs the energy traded between its participants. The following work illustrates a study made to test the potential of implementing community microgrid in distribution networks characterized by scheduled blackouts and heavy diesel reliance. Achieving such objective, two main steps are to be implemented. The first one aims to optimize each microgrid with an optimal energy resources configuration along with an optimal dispatch strategy that minimizes each microgrid’s daily operational cost. The second step aims to test the applicability and attractiveness of connecting these microgrids together through forming a suitable pool-based day-ahead energy market. Assessing the attractiveness of the proposed market is to be demonstrated through checking each microgrid’s participation profile in the proposed market model, along with its new annual operational cost. In order to embrace the integration of distributed energy resources in distribution networks, microgrids are formed. Ho