ABSTRACT

Microgrid sizing and energy management system (EMS) optimisation problems have conflicting objectives while subjected to complex constraints. These problems are usually solved by using meta-heuristic algorithms, which are originally developed to solve unconstrained problems. Therefore, appropriate constraint handling technique (CHT) must be employed to solve constrained problems. It appears that use of CHTs in these problems is rare. This study proposes using two types of repair-based penalty approaches to solve a microgrid sizing and EMS problem. Cuckoo search algorithm is employed to solve the multi-objective optimisation problem, which minimises the levilised cost of electricity (LCOE) and dump load, while maximising the reliability of power supply. A case study based on the Westray Island standalone microgrid in Scotland is conducted to compare the effectiveness of the repair approaches, in terms of the objective function values and convergence speed.

Keywords: Constraint handling, Energy management system, Microgrid, Renewables, Repair methods, Sizing