Microgrid design: A piecewise linear approach

Abstract

Planning microgrids can be challenging, especially when the spatial and temporal profiles of demand and generation do not align well, thus making an integrated approach, where generation and storage systems are designed and operated together, essential. In this work we provide a mixed integer linear programming based optimization framework that can be used for sizing, positioning and controlling PV systems and batteries simultaneously in a way that reduces the cost of operating as a microgrid while also maintaining a high quality of service. We apply our framework to a realistic example and show its ability to provide at least 10% savings in operational cost, twice the battery operational lifetime, and significant power quality benefits when compared to several known techniques.