Optimization and Statistical Analysis for an Independent Microgrid Operation through an Innovative Fusion of Demand Response Programs

Abstract

Microgrid operations face increased difficulty due to the unpredictability of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. To address this challenge, energy storage devices are widely employed. Another method to enhance the safety and dependability of microgrids is the Demand Response Program (DRP), which lowers peak demand and shifts it to off-peak times.
 In an effort to reduce overall operating expenses, this paper employs several DRPs to solve the Unit Commitment Economic Dispatch (UCED) problem for a self-sufficient microgrid. To enhance both the operation and financial effectiveness of the microgrid, a novel combination of DRPs is presented in this article. Ultimately, users will benefit from this combination.
 The modeling of DRPs is based on consumer benefit and price elasticity models. The UCED issue is formulated and solved in GAMS using mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP). The study demonstrates the proposed strategy on an 11-Bus Microgrid. According to optimization findings, operational expenses are reduced by 17.43%, 18.8%, 19.81%, and 14.3% with 0% load shedding when TOU-RTP-CPP-DLC DRPs are implemented.
 In the DLC-DRP scenario, only consumers benefit. When compared to DLC-DRP alone, the suggested RTP+DLC-DRP combination decreases operational expenses by 15.93% and increases consumer advantages. Thus, both the microgrid operator and its users benefit from the proposed strategy.