Performing optimal power flow studies for the microgrid

Abstract

Optimal Power Flow (OPF) is a collection of power optimisation models aimed at determining the best-possible level of operation of electrical power generating units with the purpose of dispatching power in an economic manner. Due to the complexity of an electrical transmission and distribution network, the deliverance of power is represented through non-linear non-convex mathematical functions which reflects the network’s physical characteristics, posing a challenge in real life as such must be resolved in short intervals while ensuring that the ever-changing consumers’ demand is met.

With the climate emergency ahead of us, OPF plays a part by minimising the power transmission and distribution losses, while ensuring that the power generated are matched as closely as possible to the real-time losses and demand with the constraints of the infrastructure accounted for. The reduction in power generation can translate into reduced greenhouse gas emission, limiting the environmental impact of power plants.

The Clean Energy Research Lab (CERL) located at S2-B7C-05 has a three-phase, 400 V, 50 Hz microgrid testbed which mainly comprises of a 13.5 kVA synchronous generator, 18 kVA programmable source, 13.5kW programmable load and 10kW simulated industrial load, suitable for the purpose of this project.