Robustly coordinated operation of a multi-energy microgrid with flexible electric and thermal loads

Abstract

A multi-energy microgrid (MEMG) can simultaneously supply electric and thermal energy to customers to improve overall energy utilization efficiency. However, intermittency and uncertainty from renewable power generation, such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaics, as well as electric and temperature-dependent thermal loads can significantly challenge and complicate the operation of an MEMG. To conquer the challenges, this paper utilizes price-based demand response and indoor temperature control to flexibilize the electric and thermal loads, respectively. Then, a two-stage coordinated operation method is proposed to optimally coordinate the combined cooling, heat, and power plants, flexible electric and thermal loads, and thermal storage under these multiple uncertainties. The mathematical problem is modeled as a two-stage robust optimization model and solved by column-and-constraint generation algorithm. Simulation results verify high energy utilization efficiency and operating robustness of the proposed method.