Optimal sizing and real-time EMS for low carbon emissions of a hybrid islanded microgrid

Optimizing microgrid sizing targeting economic and environmental objectives is a main challenge tackled in this study. In order to reach these objectives, an adapted Energy Management System (EMS) should be designed. The conception of the EMS in this study uses Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) that generates real-time power flow distribution based on minimizing CO2 emissions computed during the life cycle of the microgrid components (PV/Batteries/Diesel Generator). The MILP runs on real-time basis since CO2 life cycle emission factors are considered as constant. The decision taken in the energy management system (EMS) does not depend on future power values. An economic function is proposed to compute the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operation expenditure (OPEX) costs using both the power flow calculated by the MILP function and the sizing parameters generated from Genetic Algorithm (GA). The aim of the GA algorithm is to find a set of sizing solutions that minimize life cycle CO2 emissions and CAPEX and OPEX of the microgrid.