Analyzing the Effects of Problem Parameters on the Operation Cost of the Networked Microgrids

Abstract

In this study, the effects of problem parameters on the operation cost minimization of networked microgrids are investigated for the given planning period. These parameters include load growth, economic factors (ratio of inflation rate to interest rate), size of distributed generation (DG), and size of capacitor bank. Herein, to minimize the total cost of problem, the networked microgrids is optimally reconfigured, and the DGs and capacitor banks are optimally sized and installed in the best locations. The total cost of problem comprises several cost terms including investment costs for purchasing capacitor banks and DGs, maintenance costs of capacitors and DGs (proportional to their application period), network reconfiguration cost (switching cost), and network energy loss cost. To achieve the realistic results, the yearly load growth, daily variation of load throughout each year of the planning period, variation of load in each load level (low, medium, and high), and inflation and interest rates are considered in the planning problem. Moreover, the switches, DGs, and capacitors are switched in each load level of a day.