Energy Trading for Ferry-to-Grid Network using Game Theoretic Approach

The smart grid will encourage integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Distributed Generation (DG) with the main power grid to reduce power mismatch problems. Electric Ferries operated can supply power to the electric grid when they are stationed in the dockyards. This paper introduces the F2G network model where electric ferries (EFs) can discharge the energy when plugged-in. A three-layer model has been proposed where an aggregator act as a bridge between the EFs and the grid which is capable of transferring energy and information bidirectionally. The "virtual" energy exchange process is modeled using the Stackelberg Game approach, in which the aggregator (one-leader) purchases energy from all the stationed EFs (N-Follower) in the dockyard who are willing to participate and finally settle up the trade process at a definite unit price to each of them. In this uncoordinated game, each player is formulated with an optimal energy price scheduling algorithm to maximize their own revenues by choosing independent optimal strategies until they converge to a Stackelberg Equilibrium (SE). F2G power will also enhance the stability of the electrical grid, imparting significant monetary returns to improve the profitability of grid-connected electric-drive ferries and further motivate their acceptance. The effectiveness and robustness are validated through simulation results.