Reliability Stipulated Microgrid Architecture Using Particle Swarm Optimization

Distributed energy resources have been receiving increasing attention over the past decade as alternatives to centralized generation. In the next few decades, the penetration of microgrids is expected to grow dramatically. The bulk of DERs will be integrated into existing distribution systems. To maximize the economic and reliability benefits of these installations, distributed systems will evolve into networked 'microgrids'. This paper describes a rational method of developing micro-grid architectures in a manner that maximizes the economic benefits of deploying the resources. The method consists of a particle swarm optimization (PSO) formulation that seeks to make the most economical connections that will satisfy the stipulated reliability criteria. This paper describes the method and its implementation, and illustrates it by means of examples. The validation of the method using a rigorous dynamic programming approach, is also outlined