Knowledge-network-embedded deep reinforcement learning: An innovative way to high-efficiently develop an energy management strategy for the integrated energy system with renewable energy sources and multiple energy storage systems

Abstract

To achieve efficient energy management in complex integrated energy systems (IESs) with renewable energy sources (RESs) and multiple energy storage systems (ESSs), the study aims to propose a novel approach. Evolutionary-based methods are difficult to find the optimal scheme, while deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based methods face problems with low training efficiency. To address the limitations, a knowledge-network-embedded DRL method is proposed, which combines the fast-searching capability of genetic algorithm (GA) with the environment-aware decision-making capability of DRL, with the aim of developing a highly efficient energy management strategy in improving user comfort and reducing operating costs. GA is used to solve the IES optimization model for obtaining a solution set that serves as domain knowledge, and a knowledge network is constructed using deep learning (DL). Then, DRL uses this network as an actor network to explore the optimal strategy. The use of GA helps the DRL to enhance training efficiency and find an optimal strategy. Simulations show significant improvements in cost reduction (5.7 %) and user comfort (4.2 %), along with improved training efficiency (58.3 %) compared to baseline DRLs.