Optimal operation of building microgrids – comparison with mixed-integer linear and continuous non-linear programming approaches
ISSN: 0332-1649
Article publication date: 5 March 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present two mathematical models to solve the Energy Management problem of a building microgrid (MG). In particular, it proposes a deterministic mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and non-linear programming (NLP) formulations. This paper focuses on the modelling process and the optimization performances for both approaches regarding optimal operation of near-zero energy buildings connected to an electric MG with a 24-h time horizon.
Design/methodology/approach
A general architecture of a MG is detailed, involving energy storage systems, distributed generation and a thermal reduced model of the grid-connected building. A continuous non-linear model is detailed along with linearizations for the mixed-integer liner formulation. Multi-physic, non-linear and non-convex phenomena are detailed, such as ventilation and air quality models.
Findings
Results show that both approaches are relevant for solving the energy management problem of the building MG.
Originality/value
Introduction and modelling of the thermal loads within the MG. The resulting linear program handles the mutli-objective trade-off between discomfort and the cost of use taking into account air quality criterion. Linearization and modelling of the ventilation system behaviour, which is generally non-linear and non-convex equality constraints, involving air quality model, heat transfer and ventilation power. Comparison of both MILP and NLP methods on a general use case provides a solution that can be interpreted for implementation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research leading to these results has received funding from the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013/under project ELECON – Electricity Consumption Analysis to Promote Energy Efficiency Considering Demand Response and Non-Technical Losses, REA grant agreement No 318912. This work has been conducted within the EFRO-SALK project, which receives the support of the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund, Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship and the Province of Limburg.
Citation
Reinbold, V., Dinh, V.-B., Tenfen, D., Delinchant, B. and Saelens, D. (2018), "Optimal operation of building microgrids – comparison with mixed-integer linear and continuous non-linear programming approaches", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 37 No. 2, pp. 603-616. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-11-2016-0489
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited