Integrating scenario-based stochastic-model predictive control and load forecasting for energy management of grid-connected hybrid energy storage systems

Abstract

In the context of renewable energy systems, microgrids (MG) are a solution to enhance the reliability of power systems. In the last few years, there has been a growing use of energy storage systems (ESSs), such as hydrogen and battery storage systems, because of their environmentally-friendly nature as power converter devices. However, their short lifespan represents a major challenge to their commercialization on a large scale. To address this issue, the control strategy proposed in this paper includes cost functions that consider the degradation of both hydrogen devices and batteries. Moreover, the proposed controller uses scenarios to reflect the stochastic nature of renewable energy resources (RESs) and load demand. The objective of this paper is to integrate a stochastic model predictive control (SMPC) strategy for an economical/environmental MG coupled with hydrogen and battery ESSs, which interacts with the main grid and external consumers. The system's participation in the electricity market is also managed. Numerical analyses are conducted using RESs profiles, and spot prices of solar panels and wind farms in Abu Dhabi, UAE, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller in the presence of uncertainties. Based on the results, the developed control has been proven to effectively manage the integrated system by meeting overall constraints and energy demands, while also reducing the operational cost of hydrogen devices and extending battery lifetime.