A comprehensive economic optimization plan for microgrids considering grid interconnection and line congestion

In this paper a comprehensive method to optimize the operation of a microgrid is presented. Various factors such as fuel cost, environmental cost, maintenance cost, start-up and shut-down costs and spot price of electricity as well as effect of congestion are considered. To demonstrate the performance of the presented method, a test system consisting of micro turbine, fuel cell and wind unit is considered. Three different scenarios with low and high penetration of wind unit and different prices of electricity are examined. Simulations are carried out using MATLAB and results of the optimal operation are presented in each case.