Robust optimisation-based microgrid scheduling with islanding constraints

This study proposes a robust optimisation-based optimal scheduling model for microgrid operation considering constraints of islanding capability. The objective is to minimise the total operation cost, including generation cost and spinning reserve cost of local resources as well as purchasing cost of energy from the main grid. To ensure the resiliency of a microgrid and improve the reliability of the local electricity supply, the microgrid is required to maintain enough spinning reserve (both up and down) to meet local demand and accommodate local renewable generation when the supply of power from the main grid is interrupted suddenly, i.e. microgrid transitions from grid-connected into islanded mode. Prevailing operational uncertainties in renewable energy resources and load are considered and captured using a robust optimisation method. With proper robust level, the solution of the proposed scheduling model ensures successful islanding of the microgrid with minimum load curtailment and guarantees robustness against all possible realisations of the modelled operational uncertainties. Numerical simulations on a microgrid consisting of a wind turbine, a PV panel, a fuel cell, a micro-turbine, a diesel generator and a battery demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling model.