Multi-objective Optimal Sizing of an AC/DC Grid Connected Microgrid System

Abstract

Considering the rising energy needs and the depletion of conventional energy sources, microgrid systems combining wind energy and solar photovoltaic power with diesel generators are promising and considered economically viable for usage. To evaluate system cost and dependability, optimizing the size of microgrid system elements, including energy storage systems connected with the principal network, is crucial. In this line, a study has already been performed using a uni-objective optimization approach for the techno-economic sizing of a microgrid. It was noted that, despite the economic criterion, the environmental criterion can have a considerable impact on the elements constructing the microgrid system. In this paper, two multi-objective optimization approaches are proposed, including a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Pareto Search algorithm (PS) for the eco-environmental design of a microgrid system. The k-means clustering of the non-dominated point on the Pareto front has delivered three categories of scenarios: best economic, best environmental, and trade-off. Energy management, considering the three cases, has been applied to the microgrid over a period of 24 h to evaluate the impact of system design on the energy production system’s behavior.