Optimal planning and operation of a small size Microgrid within a Positive Energy District

Abstract

A microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed generation sources that acts as a single entity with respect to the public grid. The implementation of a microgrid providing energy to different users located in the same urban area can lead to environmental and economic benefits. Nowadays many urban redevelopment projects are opting for microgrids to reduce energy bills and to meet the criteria of positive energy districts. In this paper the optimal planning of a microgrid with the help of HOMER Grid software is accomplished. The simulation of the annual operation of the microgrid is performed applying all the required constraints to obtain the optimal sizing of the installed technologies consisting of PV plants, storage battery systems, CHP units, and micro wind turbines. Different scenarios are analyzed as a function of variable electricity purchase and selling prices, as well as considering current incentive mechanisms. The analyzed microgrid has been designed in the city of Savona, in the North of Italy, within the Interreg Alpine Space ALPGRIDS project.