Islanded Microgrid Simulation and Cost Optimisation

The operation of a microgrid implies multiple levels of control, ranging from energy production to optimisation methods. Testing these control methods on the actual microgrid can be time consuming and expensive. The simulated model of a microgrid can be adapted to suit the tested control method in an expedited and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the simulation offers proof of concept for the microgrid architecture as well as its operation. This paper proposes a microgrid model designed for testing cost optimisation algorithms before using them in real life. By running the simulation of the proposed microgrid together with the cost optimisation algorithms the two validate each other and provide significant data that can be used for improvements and fine tuning before real life testing, thus eliminating most of the risks. This can be valuable for other researchers in the field.