Energy Management in an Islanded Multi-Node Microgrid Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC)

Abstract

In this paper, an advanced control framework for an islanded multi-node microgrid is presented. Each node of the microgrid comprises various Renewable Energy Sources (RES), miscellaneous types of energy storage (batteries and/or hydrogen) and the capability of energy exchange through a DC bus interconnection. Prioritising the usage of energy sources (RES, batteries and hydrogen) at each node in order to achieve sustainability is only a partial and local solution. Supervisory control is crucial so as to achieve optimal energy exchange between the nodes which will ensure the maximum renewable energy exploitation and minimum usage of auxiliary power sources. A Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller (NMPC) is developed in order to coordinate the energy exchange between the nodes and determine the amount of energy that each node will receive or dispatch, taking into account various parameters such as forecasted power production and consumption profiles and system’s physical constraints. Indicative results are presented so as to demonstrate the capability of the NMPC to improve the efficiency of the microgrid by applying energy exchange between the nodes.