Privacy-preserving optimal scheduling of integrated microgrids

Abstract The increasing penetration of microgrids in distribution networks, as a viable option for end-use customers to increase load-point reliability and power quality, will result in formation of many interconnected microgrids in a not so far future. This paper considers a case in which multiple microgrids are geographically close and electrically connected, and studies anticipated interactions among these microgrids and also between the microgrids and the utility grid, during grid-connected and islanded operation modes. A model for the optimal scheduling of integrated microgrids is further proposed. The model is first developed with the objective of minimizing the aggregated operation cost and is accordingly decomposed into individual optimal scheduling problems using the Lagrangian relaxation method to take prevailing privacy issues into account. The microgrids capability in operating in the islanded mode for multiple hours is scrutinized by a T–τ islanding criterion. Numerical simulations exhibit the merits and the effectiveness of the proposed model via simulations on a system of integrated microgrids.