Optimal Planning of Remote Microgrids with Multi-Size Split-Diesel Generators

This paper proposes a multi-size Split-diesel generator (Split-DG) model with three different sizes of DGs and more switching configurations compared to the existing split-DG models. The proposed multi-size Split-DG system is examined for optimal sizing of remote microgrids with and without renewable-battery system. As a novel concept, multi-size Split-DG is used to reduce contamination, cost, and dumped power by using multiple small DGs to replace the single-size large DG. As another contribution of this study, a practical model is developed by considering the capacity degradation of components, spinning reserve, as well as DG’s and fuel tank’s constraints. The optimization problem is solved using a variable weighting particle swarm optimization (VW-PSO) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed Split-DG systems, optimized by the developed VW-PSO, is verified by comparing the results with conventional single-size DG system and the system optimized by conventional PSO. While the formulated optimization problem is general and can be used for any remote microgrids, an aboriginal community in South Australia is examined in this study. For this purpose, realistic data of load and weather, as well as technical and economic data of components, are used. It is found that the Split-DG-PV-WT-BES system has the lowest electricity cost compared to the systems without BES, or without PV and WT.