Microgrids (MGs) are a growing energy industry segment and represent a paradigm shift from remote central power plants to more localized distributed generation. Controlling MGs represents a challenge mainly due to their complexity and the different properties each asset in the MG has. Various methods have been proposed to address this challenging problem of MG control. Some of these methods are considered the optimal operation of MG assets. Other works are based on a systems approach and address the scalability and simplicity of synthesizing a MG's energy management system (EMS). ε-variables based logical control strategies, which are practical methods to model control strategies in MGs, can make the control structure more scalable. However, this method is not optimal. On the other hand, Switched Model Predictive Control (S-MPC) is an advanced method utilized to control power systems while satisfying several constraints to achieve an optimal solution based on various criteria. Nevertheless, its implementation is not straightforward. Therefore, to overcome these existing problems, this paper proposes a novel systems approach method called an extended optimal ε-variable method developed by combining the ε-variable based control method with the S-MPC method. This unique method has demonstrated a significant improvement in optimizing an MG's energy management and enhanced the adaptation and scalability of a control structure of the MG. Our results show that the proposed extended optimal ε-variable method: (i) reduces the operational cost of MG by nearly 35%; (ii) reduces the usage of the battery energy storage system by 42%, and (iii) enhances the practicality of photovoltaic (PV) usage by 28%. Our novel extended optimal ε-variable technique also increases the adaptation and scalability of the control structure of the MG significantly by translating the results of S-MPC to the ε-variable method.INDEX TERMS Energy management system, ε-variables, microgrids, renewable energy sources, systems approaches, switched model predictive control.
This paper presents results of the H2020 European E-LOBSTER project which is to propose an innovative Railway to Grid (R +G) Management system, combined with advanced power electronics and storage technologies (the smart Soft Open Point and the electric storage developed in the framework of the project). In particular, the R + G management system will be able to make the best use of the available energy on both grids by increasing their mutual synergies and increasing the energy efficiency of two networks through electric energy storages and at the same time by creating synergy with charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EV). This paper demonstrates an overview of the state of the art of the proposed smart R+G energy management with simulation results of the main case studies as well as an overview smart mobility through Electric Vehicles, charging stations for EVs, e-mobility in general and its synergies with railways.
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