Minimizing emissions in microgrids while meeting reliability and power quality objectives

Fossil fuel generators like diesel and natural gas gen-sets are the mainstays of microgrids for reliable power generation. This paper investigates different methods or modes to maximize fuel efficiency of the online generators in a microgrid where a substantial portion of the total generation capacity comes from fossil fuel generators. Energy storage is used to facilitate high efficiency operation of the generators and ensure conformation with the power quality standards and reliability metrics. The methods to maximize fuel efficiency, involving generator scheduling, peak shaving, and power cycling, are discussed. Various case studies are simulated to determine the impact of these three methods or modes on fuel consumption for two particular types of load profiles.