A multi-stage design framework for the investment and operation of a simple microgrid: a comprehensive approach

International audienceInvestment and operation of microgrids are challenging, especially when dealing with large-scale problems. As a result, optimization approaches are commonly used to tackle this issue. While most studies do not take renewal investment into account, this paper addresses the dynamic (multi-stage) investment and operation of a simple microgrid including Li-ion batteries and solar panels. Because the investment dynamic is a slow process compared to the operation, two time scales are introduced to formulate the problem. We show how to bridge the gap between these two time scales in order to ensure time continuity. Then, the problem is solved in a deterministic framework by using Mixed-Integer-Linear-Programming (MILP) for both time scales. Clustering methods are also introduced to reduce the computational complexity of the problem by reducing the length of the simulation periods (in terms of time steps). The multi-stage approach not only optimizes the size of technologies, but also determines the investment pathway along the horizon depending on the technoeconomic objective