A digital twin model-based approach to cost optimization of residential community microgrids

Abstract

This paper presents a peer-to-peer community cost optimization approach based on a single-prosumer energy management system. Its objective is to optimize energy costs for prosumers in the community by enhancing the consumption efficiency. This study was conducted along two main axes. The first axis focuses on designing a digital twin for a residential community microgrid platform. This phase involves data collection, cleaning, exploration, and interpretation. Moreover, it includes replicating the functionality of the real platform and validating the results. The second axis involves the development of a novel approach that incorporates two distinct prosumer behaviors within the same community microgrid, while maintaining the concept of peer-to-peer energy trading. Prosumers without storage utilize their individual PV systems to fulfill their energy requirements and inject excess energy into a local microgrid. Meanwhile, a single prosumer with a storage system actively engages in energy exchange to maximize the community’s profit. This is achieved by optimizing battery usage using a cost optimization solution. The proposed solution is validated using the developed digital twin.

Keywords

• Energy management system (EMS)
• Cost optimization
• Digital twin
• Photovoltaic systems
• Microgrid