Model Predictive Control for Distributed Microgrid Battery Energy Storage Systems

© 2017 IEEE. This brief proposes a new convex model predictive control (MPC) strategy for dynamic optimal power flow between battery energy storage (ES) systems distributed in an ac microgrid. The proposed control strategy uses a new problem formulation, based on a linear d-q reference frame voltage-current model and linearized power flow approximations. This allows the optimal power flows to be solved as a convex optimization problem, for which fast and robust solvers exist. The proposed method does not assume that real and reactive power flows are decoupled, allowing line losses, voltage constraints, and converter current constraints to be addressed. In addition, nonlinear variations in the charge and discharge efficiencies of lithium ion batteries are analyzed and included in the control strategy. Real-time digital simulations were carried out for an islanded microgrid based on the IEEE 13 bus prototypical feeder, with distributed battery ES systems and intermittent photovoltaic generation. It is shown that the proposed control strategy approaches the performance of a strategy based on nonconvex optimization, while reducing the required computation time by a factor of 1000, making it suitable for a real-time MPC implementation

Distributed MPC for coordinated energy efficiency utilization in microgrid systems

To improve the renewable energy utilization of distributed microgrid systems, this paper presents an optimal distributed model predictive control strategy to coordinate energy management among microgrid systems. In particular, through information exchange among systems, each microgrid in the network, which includes renewable generation, storage systems, and some controllable loads, can maintain its own systemwide supply and demand balance. With our mechanism, the closed-loop stability of the distributed microgrid systems can be guaranteed. In addition, we provide evaluation criteria of renewable energy utilization to validate our proposed method. Simulations show that the supply demand balance in each microgrid is achieved while, at the same time, the system operation cost is reduced, which demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed policy.Accepted manuscrip

On the Comparison of Stochastic Model Predictive Control Strategies Applied to a Hydrogen-based Microgrid

In this paper, a performance comparison among three well-known stochastic model predictive control approaches, namely, multi-scenario, tree-based, and chance-constrained model predictive control is presented. To this end, three predictive controllers have been designed and implemented in a real renewable-hydrogen-based microgrid. The experimental set-up includes a PEM electrolyzer, lead-acid batteries, and a PEM fuel cell as main equipment. The real experimental results show significant differences from the plant components, mainly in terms of use of energy, for each implemented technique. Effectiveness, performance, advantages, and disadvantages of these techniques are extensively discussed and analyzed to give some valid criteria when selecting an appropriate stochastic predictive controller.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad DPI2013-46912-C2-1-RMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad DPI2013-482443-C2-1-

A MPC Strategy for the Optimal Management of Microgrids Based on Evolutionary Optimization

In this paper, a novel model predictive control strategy, with a 24-h prediction horizon, is proposed to reduce the operational cost of microgrids. To overcome the complexity of the optimization problems arising from the operation of the microgrid at each step, an adaptive evolutionary strategy with a satisfactory trade-off between exploration and exploitation capabilities was added to the model predictive control. The proposed strategy was evaluated using a representative microgrid that includes a wind turbine, a photovoltaic plant, a microturbine, a diesel engine, and an energy storage system. The achieved results demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach, outperforming a global scheduling planner-based on a genetic algorithm by 14.2% in terms of operational cost. In addition, the proposed approach also better manages the use of the energy storage system.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad DPI2016-75294-C2-2-RUnión Europea (Programa Horizonte 2020) 76409

The Comparison Study of Short-Term Prediction Methods to Enhance the Model Predictive Controller Applied to Microgrid Energy Management

Electricity load forecasting, optimal power system operation and energy management play key roles that can bring significant operational advantages to microgrids. This paper studies how methods based on time series and neural networks can be used to predict energy demand and production, allowing them to be combined with model predictive control. Comparisons of different prediction methods and different optimum energy distribution scenarios are provided, permitting us to determine when short-term energy prediction models should be used. The proposed prediction models in addition to the model predictive control strategy appear as a promising solution to energy management in microgrids. The controller has the task of performing the management of electricity purchase and sale to the power grid, maximizing the use of renewable energy sources and managing the use of the energy storage system. Simulations were performed with different weather conditions of solar irradiation. The obtained results are encouraging for future practical implementation

Binary Search Algorithm for Mixed Integer Optimization: Application to energy management in a microgrid

This paper presents a binary search algorithm to deal with binary variables in mixed integer optimization problems. One example of this kind of problem is the optimal operation of hydrogen storage and energy sale and purchase into a microgrids context. In this work was studied a system composed by a microgrid that has a connection with the external electrical network and a charging station for electric cars. The system modeling was carried out by the Energy Hubs methodology. The proposed algorithm transforms the MIQP (Mixed Integer Quadratic Program) problem into a QP (Quadratic Program) that is easier to solve. In this way the overall control task is carried out the electricity purchase and sale to the power grid, maximizes the use of renewable energy sources, manages the use of energy storages and supplies the charge of the parked vehicles.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad DPI2013-46912-C2-1-RUniversidad de Sevilla CNPq401126/2014-5Universidad de Sevilla CNPq303702/2011-

Optimal Economic Schedule for a Network of Microgrids With Hybrid Energy Storage System Using Distributed Model Predictive Control

Artículo Open Access en el sitio web el editor. Pago por publicar en abierto.In this paper, an optimal procedure for the economic schedule of a network of interconnected microgrids with hybrid energy storage system is carried out through a control algorithm based on distributed model predictive control (DMPC). The algorithm is specifically designed according to the criterion of improving the cost function of each microgrid acting as a single system through the network mode operation. The algorithm allows maximum economical benefit of the microgrids, minimizing the degradation causes of each storage system, and fulfilling the different system constraints. In order to capture both continuous/discrete dynamics and switching between different operating conditions, the plant is modeled with the framework of mixed logic dynamic. The DMPC problem is solved with the use of mixed integer linear programming using a piecewise formulation, in order to linearize a mixed integer quadratic programming problem.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitivadad DPI2016-78338-RComisión Europea 0076-AGERAR-6-