An optimal dispatch strategy for distributed microgrids using PSO

Abstract

Grid structures are rapidly evolving in view of contemporary energy policies which ensure the addition of more renewable sources to reduce the carbon footprint. Compared to a centralized approach, low voltage grids (decentralized and distributed) are promising approaches to integrating non-dispatchable renewable energy sources (RESs). Installing local micro level power generation sources such as fuel cells, microturbines, and energy storage systems are a recent trend which helps in the intermittent effects of RESs and makes microgrids less dependable on the main grid. Due to the increasing variety of distributed generation sources having diverse characteristics, power dispatch scheduling of distributed microgrids is becoming challenging. A dispatch scheduling solution from an operator's point of view is presented by the authors. The core objective of this study is to minimize the carbon emissions and the cost of each microgrid. Further, it is observed that sales and purchases from the main grid are reduced. Consequently, transmission losses are also decreased.