An optimal microgrid dispatch algorithm for scheduling multiple CHPs in islanding operations

A combined heat and power (CHP) unit can use its waste heat to supply building thermal loads so that the electrical heating or cooling load is reduced and the overall efficiency is improved. When multiple CHP units are running in a microgrid, it is therefore critical to balance the output of each unit so that both the electricity consumption and the building thermal loads can be satisfied with least cost. This paper presents an optimal microgrid dispatch algorithm for scheduling multiple gas-fired combined heat and power units when the microgrid is disconnected from the main grid. A coordination controller is developed to determine the power output reference for each CHP unit such that the total electric power output of all CHP units are minimized while both electric and thermal demands are met. A few test cases are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.