Application of AHP Algorithm to Coordinate Multiple Load Shedding Factors in the Microgrid

The rapidly drop of frequency in the microgrid (MG) system when it operates under island operation has caused frequency stability problems. In case, generators and renewable energy sources cannot supply enough power to restore the frequency, the load shedding will be proceeded. This paper proposes the load shedding method based on the coordinate multiple load shedding factors when the MG system operates in island mode. This proposed method carries out an approach through two main steps. Firstly, the optimal amount of load shedding power considering renewable energy sources and the ability to adjust the primary and secondary frequencies of the generator is calculated to restore the frequency to the allowed range. Next, distributing the optimal load shedding power for each bus is based on the combination of different criteria to meet the economic and technical goals. On the technical side, this paper also considers two criteria about the voltage distance, and the voltage sensitivity index. These two criteria contribute to reducing voltage drop and improving voltage stability when the microgrid operates in island mode. From the economic perspective, it considers the load importance factor, thereby minimizing the economic losses caused by load shedding. The AHP algorithm is applied in this paper to determine the importance of loads and the importance of the different criteria when they are combined. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through simulation of IEEE 16-bus microgrid with 6-source.