Operation of a microgrid with optimal power assignment at the generation nodes

An optimization method is used for determining the electric power to be supplied at the different nodes of a microgrid with the aim of reducing generation costs, losses by electricity transmission, and greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously maintaining the energy quality at all points of supply. The optimization problem is complex due to the various restrictions inherent to the distributed energy resources in the microgrid. The generation sources include diesel engines, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells, each of them conveniently represented by specific mathematical models. Simulation examples are presented for both island and non-island operation modes. The problem is solved through a particle swarm optimization algorithm that efficiently provides acceptable solutions.