Joint Optimal Sizing and Operation of Unbalanced Three-Phase AC Microgrids Using HOMER Pro and Mixed-Integer Linear Programming

Author(s)

Santos, Luiza Higino S. ; Silva, Jessica Alice A. ; Lopez, Juan Camilo ; Rider, Marcos J. ; da Silva, Luiz C. P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF CONTROL AUTOMATION AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS; v. 35, n. 2, p. 15-pg., 2023-12-27.

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for jointly optimizing the sizing and operation of AC microgrids. The methodology is applied to the CAMPUSGRID microgrid, which is currently being developed at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. The distributed energy resources (DERs) considered in the study include a battery energy storage system (BESS), a dispatchable gas generator, and photovoltaic (PV) generation. The proposed energy management system (EMS) minimizes the costs associated with day-ahead operation of the DERs in an unbalanced three-phase AC microgrid. To develop the EMS as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model, the MATLAB Link module of HOMER Pro and the AMPL API are used. Heuristic rules are also developed for contingency and post-contingency operations in case of unintentional disconnection from the main grid. The sizing simulations combine tariff regimes, contingencies, and dispatch strategies. The results demonstrate the influence of the tariff on the net present cost (NPC) and the importance of resilience in sizing DERs. Additionally, the proposed model is capable of assessing the impact of DERs on the electrical grid. Finally, the joint strategy proposed in this paper leads to a reduction in microgrid investment cost, improvement in voltage magnitude profile, and reduction in active power losses when compared to the default dispatch strategies of HOMER Pro. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/17306-1 - Centralized and distributed control techniques for the energy management of microgrids: development and implementation
• Grantee: Jéssica Alice Alves da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 21/11380-5 - CPTEn - São Paulo Center for the Study of Energy Transition
• Grantee: Luiz Carlos Pereira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development
• FAPESP's process: 22/03441-7 - Methodology to Develop Digital Twins for Microgrids
• Grantee: Luiza Higino Silva Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate