Optimal Dispatch of Smart Electrical–Power Micro–grids Based on Renewable Energy Resources - Part II

Abstract

Abstract. This paper is the second part of two and presents the optimal operation scheduling of a real case of renewable energy resources connected as a micro–grid. It consists of a wind turbine, a solar unit, a fuel cell and two storage batterybanks implemented at the Laboratory. The algorithm proposed in the first part has been used as SCADA software to operate the generation units, assuring a global functioning of all equipment’s efficiently, taking into account the maintenance, operation andthe generation measurement and control considering all involved costs. The optimal dispatch software acts similar to a simple personal computer network to link together seldom–used equipment (standby)and all loads allowing its optimal control by a mini Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) devices. The application of the methodology to a real case represented by a small power system connected as a micro–grid for one week period optimal scheduling,one week power dispatch, demonstrates the effectiveness, and the robustness of the proposed model. The low execution time for solving 672 MIQP problems simultaneously is also verified in this research work. The proposed model helps operation engineers to minimize the operation cost of generating units and storage systems by an intelligent optimal method, taking into account the reliability expressed in the undelivered energy cost.