Application of energy management algorithms in an AC/DC microgrid with integration of photovoltaics and combined heat and power units

Abstract

Nowadays, Smart Grids (SG) and Microgrids (MG) achieve optimum and reliable integration of Distributed Generation (DG) units in the existing electricity distribution network. An AC/DC hybrid MG system is proposed in this paper in order to integrate the Photovoltaic (PV) home system, Micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP) units with the appropriate size, a Boiler and Batteries within the power infrastructure. Furthermore, three different types of consumers with large, medium and small electrical and thermal demands are examined. The purpose of this paper is to draw conclusions from the application of control and energy management algorithms of DG units in an AC/DC Microgrid which mainly incorporated Photovoltaics Units (PV), mCHPs and Batteries. Especially, the main focus is on the energy control and management of the mCHPs system in order to meet the consumers’ electrical and thermal needs and to minimize the power flow from the main power grid. The simulation scenario aims to highlight the characteristics and particularities of the AC/DC MG in different power generation conditions from PV systems and mCHPs, electrical and thermal consumptions as well as the power supplied by the external power grid. The AC/DC MG responds to the needs of its users for electricity and heat and also operates according to the needs of the market. Finally, the results show significant reduction of power flow from the electricity distribution network. All simulations have been implemented with the Matlab program.