Recent Research and Development of Microgrids in Parana

HIGHLIGHTS

Efforts in research to enable a microgrid-based power system infrastructure are shown.

In a first level, by the optimization of the assets within a microgrid via multi-objective optimization;

In a second level, by the optimization of microgrid while connected to the main grid via OPF analysis;

In a third level, by the optimization of multi-microgrids connected together and to the grid.

Alternatively, by considering decentralized energy markets as an integration approach.

Abstract

Microgrids (MGs) have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, government officials, and electricity companies for the values and services they can add to the grid. They can operate independently as a single controllable unit in a coordinated way while connected or islanded, which make them suitable to integrate the growing amount of distributed energy resources (DERs) into the distribution network (DN). An active distribution network with high penetration of DERs could be redefined into a collection of microgrids in different layers, pooling their resources together to enhance the grid’s performance in the sense of electricity as a service. However, enabling a microgrid-based power system infrastructure poses challenges concerning operation and control. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of research topics regarding microgrid operation are shown in a hierarchical or stratified manner, looking for a holistic vision of a microgrid-based distribution system. First, multi-objective optimization within one microgrid is formulated aiming to minimize costs and maximize battery life is presented. Second, the interaction among MGs, DERs and the DN was modeled using the OPF technique to represent the operation of the grid as a whole. Following, a methodology for collaborative optimization of multiple MGs operating together is presented and at last a theoretical framework for MG operation through decentralized energy markets is discussed. As a result, this paper aims to contribute to a broad vision of the distribution system based on microgrid operation in all its levels.

Keywords:
Microgrid; Active distribution network; Multi-microgrid; Transactive energy