Comprehensive multi-benefit planning of sustainable interconnected microgrids

Abstract

A comprehensive stochastic planning model with multi-objective, integrated sizing and scheduling strategies for distributed energy resources is fabricated and implemented for interconnected grid-tied microgrids in the present work. The optimum capacities of the renewable and dispatchable distributed generators, together with battery energy storage systems in the interconnected microgrids, are ascertained using grey wolf optimizer in the fuzzy domain with the objectives of minimizing the yearly expenses, emissions and energy loss, and maximizing the yearly monetary benefit acquired due to the deferral of network upgrades. The optimal dispatch of multi-energy resources is intended to satisfy price-sensitive, multi-energy demands economically and sustainably under the influence of a price-based demand response strategy. The proposed multi-microgrid planning framework, which is hinged on probabilistic power flow with the probabilistic modelling of renewable and load uncertainties, is targeted to benefit multiple entities, including the utility and microgrid prosumers. The effectiveness of the proposed formulation is demonstrated by the mitigation of the annual expenses, emissions, and energy loss by 51%, 70%, and 56%, respectively, and the deferral of the need for the relevant upgrades by 12 years. Moreover, the performance of the integrated resource allocation and scheduling model is also endorsed using environmental sustainability factors.