Optimization and control for a DC microgrid

Abstract

This article contributes with the development of an optimization and control scheme to profitably manage the energy of a microgrid composed of different energy resources. The proposed scheme presents the following two salient characteristics: first, the dynamics of the storage device are included in the optimization model to take advantage of its motion and energy storage capacity, and second, based on the optimization results, a distributed optimal nonlinear control strategy is synthesized to efficiently regulate the power flow into the microgrid components through power converters, where trajectory tracking for the controlled variables can be achieved. The considered microgrid in this article is composed of multiple components, which are associated with renewable power sources (solar, wind, etc.), energy storage devices (battery banks), loads, and the connection with the utility grid for exchanging energy. The optimization model includes the forecasting of available energy, energy prices, load profile, as well as the storage device dynamics of the storage device. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the satisfactory operation of the microgrid and the performance of the power converters optimal controllers.