Abstract
This paper is concerned with the design of an autonomous hybrid alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) microgrid for a community system, located on an island without the possibility of grid connection. It is comprised of photovoltaic (PV) arrays and a diesel generator, AC loads, and battery energy storage devices for ensuring uninterruptible power supply during prolonged periods of low sunshine. A multi-objective, non-derivative optimisation is considered in this residential application; the primary objective is the system cost minimisation, while it is also required that no load shedding is allowed. Additionally, the CO2 emissions are calculated to demonstrate the environmental benefit the proposed system offers. The commercial software, HOMER Pro, is utilised to identify the least-cost design among hundreds of options and simultaneously satisfy the secondary objective. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate design robustness against the uncertainty pertaining to fuel prices and PV generation. Finally, an assessment of the capabilities of the utilised optimisation platform is conducted, and a theoretical discussion sheds some light on the proposal for an enhanced design tool addressing the identified issues.
Highlights
The world has lately undergone a global decarbonisation and decentralisation effort that still continues to this day
The autonomous MG has been simulated by HOMER Pro in order to assess its operational and economic characteristics
Optimisation results obtained by HOMER Pro were presented demonstrating the optimal system design for the autonomous MG under consideration, as well as a thorough sensitivity analysis referring to fuel price and solar resource variation
Summary
The world has lately undergone a global decarbonisation and decentralisation effort that still continues to this day. Microgrids (MGs) are expected to form a part of this effort, in the context of transforming the traditional operation of electricity systems towards a more decentralised approach. MGs are comprised of low voltage (LV) distribution systems with distributed energy resources (DER) (micro-turbines, fuel cells, photovoltaics, etc.) together with storage devices (flywheels, energy capacitors and batteries) and flexible loads. These systems can be operated both in a non-autonomous (i.e., when interconnected to the grid) and an autonomous way (i.e., when in islanded mode) [1]. MGs can have a diverse role in the future smart grids and based on their control capabilities they can perform the following functions [2]:
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
