A novel algorithm for optimizing genset operations to minimize fuel consumption in remote diesel-RES microgrids

This paper addresses the challenge of reducing fuel consumption in Diesel-RES (Renewable Energy Sources) isolated microgrids, particularly focusing on Diesel Genset’s (DG) operation. The study introduces a basic rule based energy management system that serves as a platform to test out various DG operational strategies with a novel approach. Two optimization strategies—load dispatch optimization and unit commitment optimization—are explored to unequally distribute loads among different grid-connected DGs and sequence their start/stop based on predictive demand profiles respectively. Additionally, the integration of a spinning reserve-providing battery is investigated to alleviate DGs from their spinning reserve constraint, resulting in higher operational loads and consequently higher efficiency. The proposed model is applied on a case study of the Tahitian power system, demonstrating reductions in fuel consumption. The combined application of the proposed DG load dispatch and unit commitment optimizations, along with the integration a spinning-reserve-providing battery, yielded a 2.6 % reduction in fuel consumption and 6kt decrease in CO2 emissions over a year compared to a basic DG operation without a battery.