Consensus Algorithm-Based Distributed Operation of Microgrids During Grid-Connected and Islanded Modes

The existing distributed operation schemes for microgrids lack the ability to determine the power selling to the grid during normal operation mode and are unable to provide service reliability to critical loads, during islanded operation mode. In order to overcome these issues, in this study, we have proposed a distributed operation method for both grid-connected and islanded modes of microgrids. Unlike the existing studies, where the utility grid is considered as a dispatchable generator, the bi-directional flow of power with the grid is considered in this study. Similarly, different load agents are considered for different priority loads to assure the service reliability to the critical loads during islanding. A two-step operation method is proposed for both grid-connected and islanded mode operations. During the first step, each agent in the network shares information with its neighboring agents to determine the total load and available renewable power in the network. Whereas, in the second step, each agent in the network determines the optimal operation points based on the local information received from the neighboring agents. Moreover, a modified cost function for the battery is also proposed in this study, which utilizes the information of market price and load to enhance the battery operation. A comparison is made between the centralized method, conventional distributed method, and the proposed distributed operation method. Simulation results have proved the effectiveness of the proposed method for realizing distributed operation for microgrids in both grid-connected and islanded modes.