Optimal Resource Utilization in a Multi-Microgrid Network for Tamil Nadu State in India

The emerging multi-microgrid technology owes its popularity to its ability to reduce the main grid burden congestion through optimal utilization of clean energy generating sources. Integration of a multi-microgrid network with the main grid acts as a major boost to the overall reliability of the power system. A novel energy management system approach is proposed in this work which exhaustively caters to all possible situations which may arise in a grid-connected multi-microgrid network during the scheduling of power exchange, a day ahead of the actual dispatch. A multi-agent control system is implemented in this work in order to facilitate information exchange in a multi-microgrid network for a deregulated framework of electricity market. The novelty of the research lies in the manner, the available renewable energy sources are utilized optimally, while maximizing social benefit of the overall multi-microgrid network. Also, the feasibility of the grid-connected multi-microgrid network is justified in the results obtained where the MGCC (Micro Grid Central Controller) decisions are presented, based on the optimization results. The developed approach is successfully implemented on two test microgrids proposed to be located in the Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu state, India. The test microgrids are a modification of the standard PJM 5 bus system. Indian utility 62 bus system for Tamil Nadu state is utilized as the main grid interconnected with the proposed multi-microgrid network for power sharing purposes.