Design optimization of mobile vehicle-borne microgrids

Interest in isolated microgrids continues to increase as more applications are being explored, such as military bases located in isolated areas, supplying critical infrastructures during emergencies, etc. This paper considers the integration of packaging into the optimal design of a vehicle-borne microgrid suitable for such an application with space limitations. The advantages of this type of microgrid are mobility and the ability to operate while mobile or stationary. Various types of micro-sources are considered to meet multiple loads. To this end, a mixed-integer nonlinear problem is formulated to integrate multiple micro-source sizing and packaging options. The relationship between loads and capital investment is investigated through four different case studies. The case study results show that the proposed optimization framework is highly flexible and effective in finding a design solution for varying operational scenarios. Unlike existing approaches, the proposed method considers packaging constraints in the selection of micro sources ensuring microgrid mobility and rapid deployment, and also identifies a packaging solution for the selected micro sources. A comparative case study showed that the existing approach results in a 20 kW PV favoring renewable sources while the proposed method results in a 10 kW PV prioritizing the packaging and mobility.