Towards the integration of interconnected microgrids to deregulated electricity markets

Abstract

In response to rising energy consumption and its adverse environmental impact, there is an urgent need to integrate innovative technologies in intelligent energy management systems (EMS). This work develops sophisticated systems to optimize energy management enabling Microgrids (MGs) to participate optimally in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) electricity markets. MGs under examination comprise residential buildings, including thermal and electrical loads, renewable energy sources (RES), and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). It presents a comprehensive framework for the economic operation of interconnected MGs, combining two strategies: 1) MG energy management and 2) MG participation to P2P electricity market. The energy management problem is solved at MG level to minimize its operation cost over a time horizon. P2P electricity market participation is achieved through a non-cooperative game where each MG can have its distinct objectives, which is a vital characteristic for liberalized markets. Within this framework, each MG adapts its operations to market dynamics, aligning with economic goals and operational efficiency. Notably, during P2P electricity market participation, MGs share information only about the offered energy and price, maintaining the highest possible confidentiality.