Citation:
Ross M, Abbey C, Bouffard F, Jóos G. Multi-Objective Optimization Dispatch for Microgrids with a High Penetration of Renewable Generation. IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy. 2015;6 (4) :1306-1314.

Date Published: Oct 2015

Abstract:
Many benefits can be achieved through the implementation of a Microgrid controller, such as minimized cost, reduction in peak power, power smoothing, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and increased reliability of service. However, most Microgrid controllers found in the literature and in the industry optimize a single objective, which either exacerbates or does not solve the problems with integrating a high penetration of renewable energy. This paper presents a methodology of formulating a multi-objective optimization so that each objective is quantified through valuation functions that can be specific to every Microgrid. The proposed approach attains a Pareto optimal solution by directly comparing the quantified valuation functions and solving as if it were a single-objective optimization problem. Three cases of controllers are presented and compared: a base case system with no controller, a single-objective optimization that optimizes the cost of energy, and a multi-objective optimization that optimizes five identified benefits. Results show that the proposed controller can mitigate the negative impacts of volatile generation to levels below that of the system load.

Last updated on 11/09/2016