Simple fuzzy logic-based energy management for power exchange in isolated multi-microgrid systems: A case study in a remote community in the Amazon region of Ecuador

Abstract

Nowadays, the increase in electric power coverage worldwide is a priority scope of the study, where Microgrids (MG) emerge as feasible solutions to supply electricity. The use of MG to provide energy to isolated communities, especially its use as Isolated Multi-Microgrid (IMMG) systems, has become an object of study worldwide. Different control techniques have been developed to improve and optimize the energy management system (EMS) associated with an isolated MG and new alternatives for energy exchange between IMMGs. However, the geographical location of a possible implementation of an MG directly affects the optimal dimensioning, the operating cost, and the environmental impact, among others. In this context, this work proposes a novel design of an EMS based on a fuzzy logic controller focusing on power exchange between IMMG systems. The proposed EMS aims to minimize the consumption of fossil fuels, reduce the total energy wasted by the power generation units, and keep the state-of-charge of the energy storage system (ESS) at safe levels to extend its useful life. Moreover, an ESS state of health analysis is presented to determine its degradation over time when applying the proposed EMS. In addition, the proposed EMS considers the uncertainties in the disconnection of any MG, ensuring the independent operation of each one. Simulation results are performed for a case study of an isolated community in the Amazon region of Ecuador. For this purpose, a group of microgrids is considered in three different scenarios. In the first scenario, there is no power exchange between the microgrids. In the second scenario, the microgrids exchange power using a simple EMS based on a set of analytical rules, and in the third scenario, the microgrids exchange power using the proposed EMS. The results show an improvement in the overall performance of the third scenario compared to the first two, both in reducing the energy wasted by the PV system and in the cost of fossil fuel. Finally, the experimental validation, using Typhoon Hardware-in-the-loop HIL-402 devices in real-time operation, highlights the proposed EMS's effectiveness and feasibility for IMMG systems.