Microgrid Energy Management Research Articles

Optimized energy management of a solar battery microgrid: An economic approach towards voltage stability

As the adoption of renewable energy sources (RESs) continues to surge, and the concept of microgrids (MGs) gains widespread recognition, the need for efficient battery energy storage system (BESS) management within MGs has become increasingly prominent. This paper introduces a novel Energy Management System (EMS) designed for grid-connected MGs, with the primary objectives of enhancing the energy economics of the MG, minimizing BESS degradation, and ensuring that the point of common coupling (PCC) voltage remains within prescribed limits. The proposed EMS utilizes a finite-horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework to seamlessly coordinate BESS operations, encompassing charging, discharging, and reactive power provision. This coordination is done in conjunction with solar power generation, load demand, electricity pricing, and feed-in tariffs. Furthermore, the EMS accounts for uncertainties related to load and solar demand using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. The optimization goal of the proposed EMS is to minimize the expected total operational cost of the MG over a 24-hour prediction horizon. This cost encompasses both economic costs and battery degradation costs. The optimization process adheres to a set of constraints that consider BESS limitations, such as state of charge (SoC) constraints and charging/discharging limits, as well as inverter capacity limits and PCC voltage requirements. Conducting rigorous case studies on the MATLAB Simscape Electrical platform and validating them in real-time using the OPAL-RT simulator demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed EMS across diverse operational scenarios and pricing models. The findings of these case studies provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the EMS in real-world MG applications.

Optimal Energy Management for Networked Microgrids via Distributed Neurodynamic

Optimal Energy Management for Networked Microgrids via Distributed Neurodynamic

Renewable-based microgrid energy management: A comprehensive exploration of techniques, strategies, and long-term viability

Renewable-based microgrid energy management systems have emerged as a promising solution to address energy security, sustainability and resilience concerns. This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the techniques, strategies and long-term viability of such systems. The purpose of the study delves into the implementation of smart management and control systems, which enable real-time data analysis, grid optimization and effective load management, thus maximizing the utilization of renewable energy and enhancing overall system efficiency. It demonstrates the significance of decentralized energy management and its role in fostering energy independence and sustainability within local communities and small-scale industrial setups. The paper further investigates the resilience and redundancy aspects of microgrids, highlighting the importance of autonomous operation during grid failures and emergencies. Thus, the incorporation of energy-efficient practices, appliances and demand-side management strategies to promote energy conservation and reduce overall energy consumption of solar power, wind power, hydro power, biopower and geothermal. The important outreach and training are creating environmentally friendly energy consumption and improving the long-term sustainability of microgrid energy control systems that rely on energy generated from renewable sources. The study seeks to enhance ecological energy handling techniques and the utilization of clean sources of energy by offering knowledge regarding the promise of the microgrid to become a versatile and environmentally friendly power solution via this examination.

A Multi-Stage Constraint-Handling Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Resilient Microgrid Energy Management

In recent years, renewable energy has seen widespread application. However, due to its intermittent nature, there is a need to develop energy management systems for its scheduling and control. This paper introduces a multi-stage constraint-handling multi-objective optimization method tailored for resilient microgrid energy management. The microgrid encompasses diesel generators, energy storage systems, renewable energy sources, and various load types. The intelligent management of generators, batteries, switchable loads, and controllable loads ensures a reliable power supply for the critical loads. Beyond operational costs, our model also considers grid dependency as a key objective, making it particularly suited for energy management in extreme environments such as islands, border regions, and military bases. Managing complex controls of generators, batteries, switchable loads, and controllable loads presents challenging constraints that the management strategy must meet. To tackle this challenge, we propose an multi-objective optimization algorithm with multi-stage constraint-handling strategy to handle the high-dimensional complex constraints of the resilient energy management problem. Our proposed approach demonstrates superior performance compared to nine leading constrained multi-objective optimization algorithms across various test scenarios. Furthermore, the benefits of our method become increasingly evident as the complexity of the problem increases. Compared to the classical NSGA-II, the proposed NSGA-II-MC method achieved a 49.7% improvement in the Hypervolume metric on large-scale problems.

Blockchain-Driven Demand Response System for Resilient and Sustainable MicroGrids Integrating Wind Energy Conversion Systems

This study introduces the B-DDR system, leveraging blockchain technology for real-time, decentralized energy management in MicroGrids. By integrating Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), including a novel H-Darius VAWT-PMSG model with magnetic levitation and aerodynamic considerations, the proposed approach addresses challenges in optimizing energy supply and demand. Blockchain smart contracts facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading among WECS owners and users, promoting efficient renewable energy utilization. The system, analyzed through optimization models, demonstrates a notable reduction in peak demand rate from 40% to 15%, an improvement in energy efficiency from 7% to 12%, and a remarkable 92% increase in utilization efficiency. With a transaction speed of 5s during outages, the B-DDR system proves its capability to enhance MicroGrids, ensuring a robust, efficient, and sustainable energy environment. The incorporation of H-Darius VAWT-based PMSGs and blockchain technology enables precise demand response, achieving effective grid energy state equilibrium while minimizing losses. The self-executing agreements, monitored by H-Darius-PMSG nodes, provide real-time tracking and balancing, addressing the dynamic challenges posed by fluctuating demand requirements in a decentralized and efficient manner.

Enhanced energy management of DC microgrid: Artificial neural networks-driven hybrid energy storage system with integration of bidirectional DC-DC converter

Standalone microgrids using Photovoltaic (PV) systems might be a feasible alternative for powering off-grid populations. However, this form of application necessitates the use of energy storage systems (ESS) to control the intermittent nature of PV production. This paper proposes a novel energy management strategy (EMS) based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for controlling a DC microgrid using a hybrid energy storage system (HESS). The HESS connects to the DC Microgrid using a bidirectional converter (BC), that enables energy exchange between the battery and supercapacitor (SC). The effectiveness of the proposed approach in relation to the traditional control method is based on performance metrics such as overshoot and settling time. The proposed ANN control attains 18 % overshoot while step increases in PV generation and attains 21 % overshoot while decreasing PV generation. The results show that the proposed control method ensures continuous power supply from the PV system by optimising load balancing under various operating conditions, maintaining state-of-charge (SoC), and improving the voltage profile.

Microgrids Efficiency Improvement for National Electricity Network Leveraging Beluga Whale Optimization

Managing of real-time energy in microgrids connected to grid is a relatively new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the energy industry. It enables microgrids to connect with each other and with a wider electrical grid to increase efficiency and improve energy resiliency while reducing costs and emissions. It also enables the grid-connected microgrids to dynamically adjust to changing conditions, allowing for upgraded energy infrastructure and improved energy security. However, identifying an accurate and efficient approach for real-time energy management for microgrids is critical. In this regards, this paper introduces a modified metaheuristic, the Boosted Beluga Whale Optimizer (BBWO), for the application of real-time energy management to optimize battery controlling of a CM (community microgrid). This amendment involves changes to the cost function so that it better captures the battery charging/discharging operations. A function of dynamic penalty is then suggested for the sake of further improves the cost function. The suggested cost function effectiveness is determined through a real-time case study, in operational cost over a 96h time horizon. From the results, the battery's charging/discharging cycles provides lower operational expenses of $29.70 over a 96-hour time horizon. Further, the proposed innovative penalty function encourages optimal charging of the battery from RESs and the grid utility and could reduce the cost of the objective function significantly. It was also demonstrated that the battery is constantly trying to maintain full charge, which requires an expenditure of $33.14 in electricity. This cost is still less than the original cost, but it allows for high energy levels to be maintained across all time periods. Additionally, this also prevents any issues stemming from low battery levels and maximizes the life of the battery. Overall, the regularized BBWO algorithm, with the offered cost function adapted to the needs of the society, is a suitable solution for real-time energy management.

Reinforcement learning for energy management of an islanded microgrid: Analysis of state, state space and reinforcement function

The energy management (EM) of a microgrid is a challenging problem because of the stochasticity of renewable sources and loads, which can be formulated as a multi-stage decision-making problem. Reinforcement learning (RL), is found to be suitable for solving multi-stage decision-making problems under uncertainty. With the recent advancements in deferrable types of loads like that of electric vehicles, there is flexibility to manage peak demand, thereby saving the microgrid's operation cost. In this paper, we systematically explain for the first time how RL can be used to solve the scheduling problem of an isolated MG. A novel Q-learning algorithm employing a state-dependent action set is proposed to solve an isolated microgrid's EM problem in the presence of critical and deferrable loads. Various scenarios of wind turbine output power are generated to test the algorithm under a stochastic environment. In this work, the action set is divided into two: one with all the actions included and the second with a reduced number of actions. The entire state space is also divided into two: one set in which the deferrable load needs to be allotted and other where it need not be allotted. The advantage of such a method is that it substantially reduces the computational burden even if the state space's dimension is higher. Also, the judicious selection of reinforcement function to meet all the objectives and constraints is illustrated with case studies. The proposed method yields optimized scheduling with significant cost reductions compared to existing work.

Efficient microgrid energy management with neural-fuzzy optimization

This research introduces a pioneering Energy Management System (EMS) for microgrids, integrating fuzzy neural networks and a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm. The key contribution lies in minimizing production costs while optimizing the use of renewable sources like photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines (WT), and energy storage. The novel approach considers time-dependent constraints, ensuring adaptability and superior system performance. Additionally, the study introduces an innovative demand response (DR) analysis using a neural-fuzzy network, enhancing customer response and energy cost dynamics. The MPSO algorithm addresses economic load distribution challenges, demonstrating superior performance in comparative analysis. This integrated approach offers a groundbreaking solution for sustainable and efficient energy planning in microgrids. The analysis demonstrates that the proposed method achieves higher energy savings (83%) compared to baseline levels of 72%, showcasing its superior efficiency. Comparative analysis with genetic and particle swarm optimization algorithms reveals consistently lower average expenses and increased cost-effectiveness with the proposed approach.

Hierarchical online energy management for residential microgrids with Hybrid hydrogen–electricity Storage System

The increasing proportion of renewable energy introduces both long-term and short-term uncertainty to power systems, which restricts the implementation of energy management systems (EMSs) with high dependency on accurate prediction techniques. A hierarchical online EMS (HEMS) is proposed in this paper to economically operate the Hybrid hydrogen–electricity Storage System (HSS) in a residential microgrid (RMG). The HEMS dispatches an electrolyzer-fuel cell-based hydrogen energy storage (ES) unit for seasonal energy shifting and an on-site battery stack for daily energy allocation against the uncertainty from the renewable energy source (RES) and demand side. The online decision-making of the proposed HEMS is realized through two parallel fuzzy logic (FL)-based controllers which are decoupled by different operating frequencies. An original local energy estimation model (LEEM) is specifically designed for the decision process of FL controllers to comprehensively evaluate the system status and quantify the electricity price expectation for the HEMS. The proposed HEMS is independent of RES prediction or load forecasting, and gives the optimal operation for HSS in separated resolutions: the hydrogen ES unit is dispatched hourly and the battery is operated every minute. The performance of the proposed method is verified by numerical experiments fed by real-world datasets. The superiority of the HEMS in expense-saving manner is validated through comparison with PSO-based day-ahead optimization methods, fuzzy logic EMS, and rule-based online EMS.

Inner-outer layer co-optimization of sizing and energy management for renewable energy microgrid with storage

Conventional microgrid optimization schemes fall short in achieving global optimality for both sizing and scheduling aspects. In response to the demand for simultaneous optimization, this paper presents a novel inner-outer layer framework that includes an outer layer dedicated to sizing optimization and an inner layer focused on Energy Management System (EMS) operational optimization. This approach has a distinctive mechanism of two-layer interaction, where the outer layer focuses on the size assignment and renewal, while the inner layer is constrained by the size assignment and provides feedback on the corresponding operational cost to the outer layer. It enhances the capability of global optimization since the optimal sizes are searched within a fixed space. To establish the range of initial generation values, the framework commences with a pre-optimization phase. Based on the convexity nature of optimization problems, a combined solution methodology involving Rolling Horizon Optimization (RHO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is implemented. The case study demonstrates that the algorithm exhibits a good convergence within 30 generations, reaching a global satisfactory solution with a population size of 50. Furthermore, our analysis of optimal sizes across diverse scenarios fills the research gap in understanding the relationship between optimal sizes and operational scenarios. These results underscore that the impact of the time-of-day tariff strategy is significant, and it is risky to determine the optimal sizes by rule-based strategies. Finally, the comparison to other co-optimization methods shows that the proposed framework can reduce the annual total cost by up to 23.1%, which highlights its greater capability of global optimization.

A decentralized framework for economic‐resilient operation of networked microgrids, considering demand response program

AbstractThe occurrence of natural disasters can disrupt the normal functioning of distribution networks. In this situation, the activeness of distribution networks in the sense of benefiting from energy sources and related structures such as microgrids (MGs) makes them benefit from the capability of structures such as MGs, in case of High‐Impact Low‐Probability (HILP) events, so that consumers are able to disconnect from main grid and trade with other MGs. Thus, the energy management of networked MGs needs a new operation structure to encourage them providing each other with the required energy by creating the necessary incentives. This paper presents a novel cooperative framework aimed at enhancing the resilience of MGs through the establishment of peer‐to‐peer (P2P) energy trading among their constituents. In the present model, MGs engage in energy transactions with one another, aiming to minimize costs through the cooperative operation of networked MGs. The utilization of the suggested model enables MGs to enhance network resilience within the framework of peer‐to‐peer energy transactions, while also achieving cost reductions in comparison to islanding and non‐cooperative operation. The numerical results obtained demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology in enhancing the resilience of MGs and mitigating their operational expenses.

Optimal management of microgrid energy by considering demand side management plan and maintenance cost with developed particle swarm algorithm

This paper introduces a pioneering approach to power system optimization by integrating microgrids and demand-side management, with a focus on its novel contributions. Emphasizing cost reduction, the study targets effective demand management through load shifting. A unique microgrid energy management system is proposed for peak-shaving, leveraging the cost advantages of lower controllable unit expenses. The system actively involves microgrid units in responsive load management, reducing peak consumption during high-demand periods. Evaluation of various demand-side management techniques, especially peak-time rebate programs, is conducted through presented indices measuring the energy management solution's effectiveness. To address the complexity, a particle swarm-based algorithm is introduced for computational efficiency. Validation of the proposed method and model in diverse scenarios showcases significant cost reduction, demonstrating the practicality and innovation of the integrated microgrid and demand-side management strategy. The study highlights a substantial reduction in peak load through load response program participation. At a 20 % participation rate with a 10-cent incentive, there's a significant decrease in peak load during specific hours. With increasing participation and incentives, peak load reduction intensifies, reaching optimal results at a 40 % participation rate and a 20-cent incentive.

Hierarchical Energy Management of DC Microgrid with Photovoltaic Power Generation and Energy Storage for 5G Base Station

For 5G base stations equipped with multiple energy sources, such as energy storage systems (ESSs) and photovoltaic (PV) power generation, energy management is crucial, directly influencing the operational cost. Hence, aiming at increasing the utilization rate of PV power generation and improving the lifetime of the battery, thereby reducing the operating cost of the base station, a hierarchical energy management strategy based on the improved dung beetle optimization (IDBO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The first control layer provides bus voltage control to each power module. In the second control layer, a dynamic balance control strategy calculates the power of the ESSs using the proportional–integral (PI) controller and distributes power based on the state of charge (SOC) and virtual resistance. The third control layer uses the IDBO algorithm to solve the DC microgrid’s optimization model in order to achieve the minimum daily operational cost goal. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed IDBO algorithm reduces the daily cost in both scenarios by about 14.64% and 9.49% compared to the baseline method. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical energy management strategy are verified through experimental results.

Predictive Energy Management of a Building-Integrated Microgrid: A Case Study

The efficient integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) in buildings is a challenge that can be addressed through the deployment of multienergy microgrids (MGs). In this context, the Interreg SUDOE project IMPROVEMENT was launched at the end of the year 2019 with the aim of developing efficient solutions allowing public buildings with critical loads to be turned into net-zero-energy buildings (nZEBs). The work presented in this paper deals with the development of a predictive energy management system (PEMS) for the management of thermal resources and users’ thermal comfort in public buildings. Optimization-based/optimization-free model predictive control (MPC) algorithms are presented and validated in simulations using data collected in a public building equipped with a multienergy MG. Models of the thermal MG components were developed. The strategy currently used in the building relies on proportional–integral–derivative (PID) and rule-based (RB) controllers. The interconnection between the thermal part and the electrical part of the building-integrated MG is managed by taking advantage of the solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation surplus. The optimization-based MPC EMS has the best performance but is rather computationally expensive. The optimization-free MPC EMS is slightly less efficient but has a significantly reduced computational cost, making it the best solution for in situ implementation.

Electricity Load Demand Prediction for Microgrid Energy Management System Using Hybrid Adaptive Barnacle‐Mating Optimizer with Artificial Neural Network Algorithm

In recent years, one of the primary causes of high electricity consumption is the growing global population and the availability of power‐demanding smart devices. As a result, accurate load forecasting tools are required for effective energy conservation in microgrids. Various simulation tools and artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods have been used to make the best forecasts of electricity demand. Furthermore, conventional systems are static and based solely on historical data. To address this practical need, this work aims to create a machine learning (ML) model for short‐term load forecasting based on feature selection and parameter optimization. This research proposes a hybrid short‐term load demand prediction approach that combines an adaptive barnacle‐mating optimizer (ABMO) and an artificial neural network (ANN). When compared to the regression tree (RT), support vector machine (SVM), ANN, and particle swarm optimization‐based ANN (PSO‐ANN) algorithms, the proposed ABMO‐ANN algorithm reduces mean absolute percentage errors by 67.69%, 64.58%, 59.18%, and 42.02%, respectively. Compared to conventional RT, SVM, ANN, and PSO‐ANN algorithm, the hybrid ABMO with ANN outperforms them based on mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, correlation coefficient , symmetric mean absolute percentage error, and agreement index (d).

Monitoring Energy and Power Quality of the Loads in a Microgrid Laboratory Using Smart Meters

Microgrids are local energy production and distribution networks that can operate independently when disconnected from the main power grid thanks to the integration of power generation systems, energy storage units and intelligent control systems. However, despite their advantages, the optimal energy management of real microgrids remains a subject that requires further investigation. Specifically, an effective management of microgrids requires managing a large number of electrical variables related to the power generated by the microgrid’s power supplies, the power consumed by the loads and the aspects of power quality. This study analyzes how we can monitor different variables, such as the active power, reactive power, power factor, total harmonic distortion and frequency in the loads of a microgrid, using high-precision power meters. Our empirical study, conducted using a functional microgrid comprising a hybrid wind–solar power system and several household appliances, demonstrates the feasibility of using low-cost and high-performance power meters with IoT functionality to collect valuable power quality and energy consumption data that can be used to control the microgrid operation.

Energy optimization management of microgrid using improved soft actor-critic algorithm

To tackle the challenges associated with variability and uncertainty in distributed power generation, as well as the complexities of solving high-dimensional energy management mathematical models in mi-crogrid energy optimization, a microgrid energy optimization management method is proposed based on an improved soft actor-critic algorithm. In the proposed method, the improved soft actor-critic algorithm employs an entropy-based objective function to encourage target exploration without assigning signifi-cantly higher probabilities to any part of the action space, which can simplify the analysis process of distributed power generation variability and uncertainty while effectively mitigating the convergence fragility issues in solving the high-dimensional mathematical model of microgrid energy management. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a case study analysis of microgrid energy op-timization management. The results revealed an increase of 51.20%, 52.38%, 13.43%, 16.50%, 58.26%, and 36.33% in the total profits of a microgrid compared with the Deep Q-network algorithm, the state-action-reward-state-action algorithm, the proximal policy optimization algorithm, the ant-colony based algorithm, a microgrid energy optimization management strategy based on the genetic algorithm and the fuzzy inference system, and the theoretical retailer stragety, respectively. Additionally, com-pared with other methods and strategies, the proposed method can learn more optimal microgrid energy management behaviors and anticipate fluctuations in electricity prices and demand.

Multi-Home Energy Coordination Scheduling Based on Adaptive Dynamic Programming

Implementing cooperative scheduling of multi-home microgrid energy and reducing the dependence on the main grid has become the focus of microgrid energy management research. This paper proposes a new multi-agent adaptive dynamic programming (MAADP) method for the cooperative control of distributed home energy. Each home is defined as a learning agent that needs to reasonably schedule the energy storage system to meet the respective load demand while accomplishing cooperative scheduling among the individual homes. In addition, an energy clearing center (ECC) is introduced to complete the energy exchange between each microgrid to protect the benefits of all parties. The proposed method adopts the learning strategy of ”centralized learning and decentralized execution”to avoid the leakage of private information. The experimental comparison with the benchmark method verifies that the method can realize the cooperative scheduling of each home and reduce the dependence on the main grid.

Methodology for Energy Management in a Smart Microgrid Based on the Efficiency of Dispatchable Renewable Generation Sources and Distributed Storage Systems

This paper presents a methodology for energy management in a smart microgrid based on the efficiency of dispatchable generation sources and storage systems, with three different aims: elimination of power peaks; optimisation of the operation and performance of the microgrid; and reduction of energy consumption from the distribution network. The methodology is based on four steps: identification of elements of the microgrid, monitoring of the elements, characterization of the efficiency of the elements, and finally, microgrid energy management. A specific use case is shown at CEDER-CIEMAT (Centro para el Desarrollo de las Energías Renovables—Centro de Investi-gaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), where consumption has been reduced during high tariff periods and power peaks have been eliminated, allowing an annual reduction of more than 25,000 kWh per year, which is equal to savings of more than 8500 €. It also allows the power contracted from the distribution company by CEDER (135 kW) not to be exceeded, which avoids penalties in the electricity bill.