Optimal Scheduling Strategy of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Microgrid Considering Virtual Energy Storage

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is one of the most efficient ways to utilize renewable energy in buildings. However, the stochastic characteristic of PV power generation and load challenges the optimal dispatch of the BIPV. This paper proposes an optimal scheduling strategy of BIPV microgrid considering virtual energy storage (VES), which intends to further improve the operating economy of a BIPV microgrid. Firstly, existing research findings and gaps in this research area were analyzed. Then, the mathematical model of each unit in the system was created, meanwhile, the air conditioner-based VES (ACVES) model and electric water heater-based VES (EWHVES) model are built by exploiting the heat/cold storage capability of building and the electric water heater, respectively. Next, the optimal scheduling model considering the VES is designed. Finally, the optimal scheduling model is solved by CPLEX to obtain the optimal scheduling strategy that reduces the operating cost of the system. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can reduce the operating cost of the system. Furthermore, the VES shows the potential to replace the battery energy storage system.