Static hybrid AC/DC microgrid planning

A hybrid microgrid planning model is proposed in this paper to determine the least-cost distributed energy resource (DER) size and generation mix, the type of each feeder in the microgrid distribution network (i.e., AC or DC), and the optimal location of each selected DER. The objective of the microgrid planning problem is to minimize the total planning cost, including the investment and operation costs of the DERs, the investment cost of converters, the cost of the energy exchange with the utility grid, and the cost of unserved energy. A static planning model is considered which provides a quick solution and viable insight on the microgrid planning decisions. Numerical simulations exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed model and further analyze the sensitivity of microgrid planning results on variety of factors such as the ratio of DC loads, load criticality, and converters' efficiency.