Algorithms for Optimal Topology Design, Placement, Sizing and Operation of Distributed Energy Resources in Resilient Off-grid Microgrids

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel mathematical model and a scalable rolling-horizon algorithm for optimal design and operation of distributed energy resources in resilient off-grid microgrids, addressing reliability and security challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a new integrated model for microgrid topology, capacity, and operation with N-1 security, and develops an efficient decomposition-based solution algorithm.

Findings

Algorithm efficiently solves large-scale microgrid optimization problems.

Model achieves reliable and secure microgrid configurations.

Demonstrated on real and test networks with favorable solution times.

Abstract

Power distribution in remote communities often depends on off-grid microgrids. In order to address the reliability challenges for these microgrids, we develop a mathematical model for topology design, capacity planning, and operation of distributed energy resources in microgrids that includes N-1 security analysis. Due to the prohibitive size of the optimization problem, we develop a rolling-horizon algorithm that is combined with scenario-based decomposition to efficiently solve the model. We demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm on an adapted IEEE test network and a real network from an Alaskan microgrid. We also compare our model's required solution time with commercial solvers and recently developed decomposition algorithms to solve similar problems.