Modeling and optimal operation of a university campus microgrid

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a system design for a university campus microgrid (UCM) to facilitate research needs in relation to the operation and control of microgrid. This paper proposes the design, modeling and optimal operation of a UCM. The optimal operation aims to minimize the operation costs of photovoltaic system and costs of exchange with the local electrical network. The UCM is aggregating different distributed energy resources with parts of local loads that are co-located in the campus setting. The mathematical modeling of different components of the UCM is proposed. However, the objective of the UCM is to achieve three objectives: 1) to satisfy part of the residential campus loads, 2) to charge employees electric vehicles and 3) to help the campus avoiding peak load in period of high demands.