Feasibility Evaluation for a Multi-Energy Microgrid Case Study in China

A microgrid integrates multi-energy distributed generation, cooling-heating-power demand and energy storage to provide an effective solution for power supplies to remote and islanded areas. The microgrid planning should consider both technical and economic aspects based on local demand and resources condition, as well as the network structure and operating strategy of the microgrid. This paper introduces an industrial solution on integrated resource planning for microgrids, which applies the software ‘Capacity Expansion’ and ‘Portfolio Optimization’ to optimize the composition and capacity of renewable generations and battery storage, as well as to produce the operational and economic results in a long-term horizon. A case study is performed using the proposed solution based on an actual microgrid project in China. The results provide recommendations on microgrid’s generation capacity expansion, optimal sizing for battery storage, operating constraints on energy exchange with upper main grid, and electricity bill contract design.