Network constrained optimal performance of DER and CHP based micro-grids within an integrated active-reactive and heat powers scheduling

Nowadays, different types of dispatchable and non-dispatchable distributed energy resource (DER) units, combined heat and power (CHP) plants as well as heat only units are integrated into a micro-grid (MG) platform. These facilities can help MG operators to satisfy the required electricity and heat demands of controllable and non-controllable loads even with no power exchange between the external main grid and the MG. This paper introduces a network constrained optimal operation model based on an integrated active-reactive and heat powers scheduling in MG for both grid-connected and isolated modes. The DERs like fuel cell (FC) units, diesel generators (DGs) and micro turbines (MTs) are motivated to take part in providing reactive power to the MG based on a reactive power payment function. Meanwhile, the dependency of produced heat and active power by CHP units through feasible operating region as well as the dependency of produced active and reactive powers by DER units through capability curves are taken into account in the optimal economic dispatch of the MGs. The main goal of this paper is to find the optimal economic dispatch of active and reactive powers as well as heat energy for DER and CHP based micro-grids in which network constraints such as AC power flow limitations are taken into consideration. The proposed model is examined on a 33-bus test MG for grid-connected and isolated modes and the simulation results are presented to investigate and analyze the different features of the proposed method