Chapter 3 - Demand Response Enabled Optimal Energy Management of Networked Microgrids for Resilience Enhancement

Abstract

The resiliency of power distribution systems is becoming an important issue worldwide as far as the continuity of economic growth and prosperity is concerned. In this regard, the concept of networked microgrids (MGs) is promising to play a significant role in improving the resiliency of MGs after natural disasters. In this chapter, the proposed energy management system aims to effectively coordinate the local MG control center with the distribution network operator to enhance the efficiency of power distribution between the MGs considering the connection of MGs with the distribution network. Another strategy for improving the resiliency of MGs is to deploy demand response programs (DRPs). By changing the power consumption pattern, DRPs could enable the logical utilization of electricity for the consumers. To demonstrate the benefits of the proposed energy management structure for interconnected MGs, the resiliency of MGs is studied in two different operation modes. First is the normal operation mode, in which each MG operates in a normal condition without natural disasters. Second is the emergency mode, in which MGs lose their connection with the distribution grid. So the connection between MGs plays a key role in feeding loads after the power supply interruption due to a natural disaster. Moreover, the uncertainties of renewable energy sources and loads are modeled using probability distribution function. Monte Carlo simulation is used to produce the required scenarios for the study. In this chapter, the optimization problem is formulated as a bi-level one, where the objective function is minimized using a heuristic algorithm, namely the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The results obtained by PSO are compared with those from a stochastic optimization method.