Optimized Control of Distribution Switches to Balance a Low Cost Photovoltaic Microgrid

Dynamic operations of electric power switches in microgrid mode allows for distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems to support a critical load and enable the transfer of electrical power to non-critical loads. Instead of relying on an expensive system that includes a constant generation source (e.g. fossil fuel based generators), this work assess the potential balance of load and PV generation to properly charge a critical load battery while also supporting non-critical loads during the day. This work assumes that the battery is sized to only support the critical load and that the PV at the critical load is undersized. To compensate for the limited power capacity, a battery charging algorithm predicts and defines battery demand throughout the day; a particle swarm optimization (PSO) scheme connects and disconnects switch sections inside a distribution system with the objective of minimizing the difference between load and generation. The PSO reconfiguration scheme allows for continuous operations of a critical load as well as inclusion of non-critical loads.