Development and analysis of scheduling strategies for utilizing shared energy storage system in networked microgrids

Abstract

The proliferation of microgrid installations has led to the emergence of networked microgrids, where individual microgrids are interconnected to maximize their benefits and assist the grid. Each individual microgrid in a networked microgrid is equipped with renewable energy sources. To address the intermittent and variable nature of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems are integrated into individual microgrids or networked microgrids. However, implementing energy storage systems for each microgrid can be expensive and space-consuming. To mitigate these challenges, the concept of shared energy storage system is introduced and applied to networked microgrids. This paper presents a comprehensive study focusing on cost minimization of networked microgrids through scheduling strategies, for the effective deployment of shared energy storage systems. Various approaches based on supply–demand imbalance, time-of-use prices, forecasted generation, and load considerations are investigated. The proposed strategies are implemented in two topologies: a networked microgrid framework with independent energy storage system and a networked microgrid framework with shared energy storage system. The networked microgrid framework topology consists of three interconnected microgrids. Numerical results indicate that the scheduling strategies lead to substantial cost savings, with up to 25.58% reduction in operating costs achieved through the incorporation of shared energy storage systems and intelligent scheduling strategies. These findings enhance the reliability and practical applicability of the proposed approaches for optimizing networked microgrid operations.