Consensus-based dispatch optimization of a microgrid considering meta-heuristic-based demand response scheduling and network packet loss characterization

Abstract

The uncertainty inherent in power load forecasts represents a major factor in the mismatches between supply and demand in renewables-rich electricity networks, which consequently increases the energy bills and curtailed generation. As the transition to a power grid founded on the so-called grid-of-grids becomes more evident, the need for distributed control algorithms capable of handling computationally challenging problems in the energy sector does so as well. In this light, the consensus-based distributed algorithm has recently been shown to provide an effective platform for solving the complex energy management problem in microgrids. More specifically, in a microgrid context, the consensus-based distributed algorithm requires reliable information exchange with customers to achieve convergence. However, packet losses remain an important issue, which can potentially result in the failure of the overall system. In this setting, this paper introduces a novel method to effectively characterize such packet losses during information exchange between the customers and the microgrid operator, whilst solving the microgrid scheduling optimization problem for a multi-agent-based microgrid. More specifically, the proposed framework leverages the virulence optimization algorithm and the earth-worm optimization algorithm to optimally shift the energy consumption during peak periods to lower-priced off-peak hours. The effectiveness of the proposed method in minimizing the overall active power mismatches in the presence of packet losses has also been demonstrated based on benchmarking the results against the business-as-usual iterative scheduling algorithm. Also, the robustness of the overall meta-heuristic- and multi-agent-based method in producing optimal results is confirmed based on comparing the results obtained by several well-established meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, including the binary particle swarm optimization, the genetic algorithm, and the cuckoo search optimization.

Keywords

• Demand-side management
• Optimal scheduling
• Microgrids
• Distribution generation
• Consensus algorithm
• Meta-heuristics