Demand response of grid-connected microgrid based on metaheuristic optimization algorithm

Demand Response Programs (DRPs) have gained the microgrid (MG) operators phenomenal attention for mobilizing the end-users in alleviating the uncertainties associated with renewable energy sources. In this research work, the effective MG energy management system (EMS) in conjunction with price-driven DRPs is proposed to achieve synergistic coordination between the energy providers and consumers and reduce operational costs. The flexible price elasticity model is implemented instead of using the price elasticity models with a preordained constant value like most existing literature. This results in a more realistic characterization of customer responsiveness to energy price changes and promotes the DRPs under a grid-connected MG environment. With this regard, a stochastic day-ahead energy management strategy is proposed to incorporate four distinct DRPs and schedule the MG distributed energy resources. The proposed strategy is verified on a practical 3-feeder MG test system with a majority of 50% industrial load considered. The short-term scheduling period of 15 min ahead solar and wind power forecast is considered to optimize the microgrid dispatch costs accurately. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources is addressed by employing a stochastic-based scenario generation and reduction approach. A novel and nature-inspired Black Widow Optimization (BWO) is applied to determine the optimal scheduling configuration. The effectiveness of the BWO is validated in terms of rate of convergence, computational time, and solution efficacy. Finally, the best DRP has been chosen based on its technical and economic performance indices by employing a multi-criteria decision-making approach.