Maximum loadability consideration in droop-controlled islanded microgrids optimal power flow

An important consideration in the operation of droop-controlled islanded microgrid (IMG) systems is its maximum loadability. This paper proposes the consideration of the system maximum loadability in droop-controlled IMGs optimal power flow (OPF) problems. Three Droop-controlled IMG OPF problems are investigated: (I) The OPF problem for maximum loadability assessment, (2) The OPF for maximizing system loadability, and (3) The bi-objective OPF problem for loadability maximization and generation cost minimization. A detailed microgrid model is adopted to reflect the special features and operational characteristics of droop-controlled IMG systems in the proposed OPF problems formulations. Numerical simulation studies have been carried out to demonstrate the importance and consequences of considering the system maximum loadability in the operational planning of droop-controlled IMGs. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.