High-level multi-objective model for microgrid design

Recently, there is vast inclination toward using renewable energy in rural areas away from the main electricity generation plants. Small airports located in rural areas are good candidates to apply sustainable energy for electrical power needs. Because of the intermittency of the renewable sources, it is important to have energy storage to guarantee an uninterrupted and stable power supply for end users. In this paper a high level micro grid model is proposed considering making decisions about different factors such as different renewable sources capacity, storage and system capacity. A multi-objective model of a microgrid high-level design is used to formulate design alternatives. This can enable engineering teams to refine requirements for subsequent stages of the system engineering process. The main goal of the proposed approach is to maximize the profit considering revenues and the implementation cost including initial and maintenance cost and environmental impacts on lifespan of the proposed microgrid. Different components of the microgrid with energy storage device are selected and sized considering both the initial cost and operational/maintenance cost with optimal coordination between storage and intermittent resources such as solar and wind is proposed while meeting load and system operating requirements. Diesel generator is anticipated as back up supply for emergency cases, however to comply with green energy policies, it is objected to be minimized. The multi-objective linear programming is used for proposed optimization. A case study of integrated microgrid located in Aydin airport in Turkey is presented to verify the advantages of the proposed optimal decision making method. In addition to the system self-constraint, certain constraints of the airport design also are taken into account.