Capturing Distribution Grid-Integrated Solar Variability and Uncertainty Using Microgrids
For utility grid operators, this offers a local solution to integrate more solar generation by managing variability and uncertainty.
This paper proposes using microgrids to mitigate solar generation variability and uncertainty, developing a robust optimization-based scheduling model that improves grid hosting capacity for solar generation.
The variable nature of the solar generation and the inherent uncertainty in solar generation forecasts are two challenging issues for utility grids, especially as the distribution grid integrated solar generation proliferates. This paper offers to utilize microgrids as local solutions for mitigating these negative drawbacks and helping the utility grid in hosting a higher penetration of solar generation. A microgrid optimal scheduling model based on robust optimization is developed to capture solar generation variability and uncertainty. Numerical simulations on a test feeder indicate the effectiveness of the proposed model.