A Multi-Layer Techno-Economic-Environmental Energy Management Optimization in Cooperative Multi-Microgrids with Demand Response Program and Uncertainties Consideration

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-layer, multi-objective (MLMO) optimization model for techno-economic-environmental energy management in cooperative multi-Microgrids (MMGs) that incorporates a Demand Response Program (DRP). The proposed MLMO approach simultaneously optimizes operating costs, MMG operator benefits, environmental emissions, and MMG dependency. This paper proposed a new hybrid ε-lexicography-weighted-sum that eliminates the need to normalize or scalarize objectives. The first layer of the model schedules MMG resources with DRP to minimize operating costs (local generation and power transactions with the utility grid) and maximize MMG profit. The second layer achieves the environmental operation of the MMG, while the third layer maximizes MMG reliability. This paper also proposed a new application of a recently developed enhanced equilibrium optimizer (EEO) for solving the three-layer EM problem. In addition, the uncertainties of solar power generation, wind power generation, load demand, and energy prices are considered based on the probabilistic 2m + 1 Point estimation method (PEM) approach. Three case studies are presented to verify the proposed MLMO approach on an MMG test system. In Case I, a deterministic EM is solved to simulate the MMG as a single layer to minimize costs and maximize benefits through DRP, while Case II solves the MLMO optimization problem. Simulation results show that the proposed MLMO technique reduces environmental emissions by 2.45% and 3.5% in its optimization layer and at the final layer, respectively. The independence index is also enhanced by 2.49% and 4.8% in its layer only and as a total increase, respectively. Case III is for the probabilistic EM simulation; due to the uncertain variables effect, the mean value in this case is increased by about 2.6% over Case I.