An integrated energy exchange scheduling and pricing strategy for multi-microgrid system

Microgrid is a low-voltage distribution network which comprises various distributed generators, storage devices and loads. This paper presents an integrated energy exchange scheduling strategy between a multi-microgrid system and the main grid for the Microgrid Centrol Controller (MGCC). The MGCC, also called as the aggregator, aims at minimizing the total electricity cost of the multi-microgrid system while meeting the market obligation. The aggregated scheduling problem is formulated as a linear programming constrained by physical requirements of microgrids. From this linear programming, several dual variables, which are representative of the marginal cost of proper constraints, are manipulated to form the adjusted price which is the modification of original electricity price. With this pricing strategy, a decentralized optimal scheduling strategy is proposed for the MGCC. The simulation results show that such a scheduling strategy can meet the market obligation and satisfy the needs of the consumer load while achieving the lowest possible cost.