Demand-Side-Management for Optimal Dispatch of an Isolated Solar Microgrid

This paper proposes a Demand-Side Management (DSM) strategy for the optimal dispatch of an isolated solar photovoltaic (PV) microgrid. An incentive-based DSM approach is considered in the operation of a microgrid. The multi-objective optimisation problem involves maximising the utility benefit and minimising the generator fuel cost whilst satisfying the load demand. The particle swarm metaheuristic optimisation method has been used to develop a mathematical model and sensitivity analysis tested on the practical microgrid in Tanzania. Results show that up to 14.01% in power saving is achieved. Also, incentivised customers may curtail significant microgrid relieving energy during peak hours and hence provide both peak reduction and optimality between the demand and supply spectrum of the microgrid.