Optimal planning and operation of multi-carrier networked microgrids considering multi-energy hubs in distribution networks

In this paper, we propose a new scheme for designing multi-carrier networked microgrids. Various multi-energy carriers are utilized to form energy hubs which exchange energy with each other and the main electricity and gas networks. The proposed model considers renewable generation, diesel generators, fuel cells, energy storages, combined heat and powers, boilers, combined cooling heat and powers, and power to gas converters. The seasonal load patterns are considered to design the optimal capacity of combined cooling, heating, and powers. The main objective of the proposed model is to operate the integrated hubs with minimum cost, meet the consumer's required energies, reduce the emissions, and create a bi-directional interaction between electricity, and gas networks using power to gas converters. While all electrical, mechanical, and technical constraints are satisfied. To achieve these improvements, industrial and residential hubs interact with other multi-carrier microgrids to determine the optimal operation of hubs. The proposed model is tested on a standard case study and results show when hubs integrate about the total daily cost of each microgrid has been improved about 200 $. Besides, the thermal energy not supply in microgrid 4 has been improved from 4.61 MWh to 0.45 MWh. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.