Optimal scheduling of interconnected micro energy grids with multiple fuel options

Micro Energy Grid (MEG) represents a natural step in the evolution to smart grids. In future, distribution system will operate according to interconnected micro energy grids. In MEG, both operational cost and emissions are, mainly, dependent on the types of distributed energy resources (DERs) used. Using DERs with multiple fuel options can reduce the generation costs and increase the reliability in power systems. This paper presents an approach to interconnected MEGs generation scheduling with multiple fuel options. The scheduling approach determines the optimal outputs of DERs on the basis of multi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) optimization compromising between the operational cost and emission of the entire interconnected MEGs system. DERs operate within their respective capacity limits and economically satisfy both electrical and heat demands. The global economic scheduling scheme coordinates power transactions among MEGs and between each MEG and the main electrical grid. Results show that power sharing among MEGs and between each MEG and the main electrical grid can reduce the total operational cost and emissions of the entire interconnected MEGs system.