Energy Reports (Dec 2020)
Sizing versus Price: How they influence the energy exchange among large numbers of hydrogen-centric multi-energy supply grid-connected microgrids
Abstract
Hydrogen-centric multi-energy supply microgrids cover different types of energy, such as electricity/heat/gas/hydrogen, which will play an important role in emerging smart cities. On the other hand, multi-energy supply microgrids can also exchange energy with utility grid networks, which can help the local consumers earn profits, and also resist natural disasters. However, to efficiently achieve energy exchange among regional multi-energy supply grid-connected microgrids is still a complex problem, especially considering that there are large numbers of hydrogen-centric microgrids, and multiple types of exchanged energy (electricity, heat, gas, hydrogen). In this paper, we evaluate how the sizing and price influence the energy exchange among large numbers of hydrogen-centric multi-energy supply microgrids. First, we presented a hierarchy structure to manage exchanged energy, namely, utility grids-load service entity (LSE)-microgrids. Second, we use the prices as the only guide to encourage different parts to achieve energy exchange. And the price-based optimal operation strategy of microgrid and LSE is developed. Third, an extended model with an IEEE30+Gas20+Heat14 hybrid utility grid network, 4 LSEs, and 16 hydrogen-centric multi-energy supply microgrids are built. Last, different sizing and price profiles are deployed. The simulation results show that large sizing indicates large earned profits while large price presents small profits. And through the hydrogen, invisible power can be stored in tanks, and can be further exchanged at any time.
