Grid-tied Smart Microgrid with Heuristic Optimized Energy Management System (EMS)

There is a global shift towards integrating renewable energy sources into existing power systems to address the increasing energy demand while minimizing environmental impact. One popular approach is the utilization of solar/battery-based grid-connected microgrid systems, which have gained significant popularity. However, the intermittent nature of solar power poses a challenge in ensuring a steady energy supply. To overcome this challenge, this research proposes an optimized microgrid EMS that efficiently manages energy consumption, generation, and distribution, aiming to minimize operational costs. A cost-effective solution for microgrid operation, monitoring, and administration has been developed by incorporating demand side management (DSM) techniques and employing a heuristic optimization approach. The results demonstrate a remarkable 33.6% reduction in operational costs compared to systems without an EMS. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed optimized EMS in generating and delivering electricity to consumers at affordable prices. This research contributes to the advancement of microgrid systems and provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, supporting the adoption of renewable energy and enhancing microgrid performance.