A Stackelberg Game-Based Methodology for Energy Sharing Management of a Microgrid Integrated with Smart Homes

This study addresses the energy sharing management challenge within a microgrid that incorporates smart homes, employing a two-stage methodology. In the initial stage, the energy sharing among homes is optimized using a Stackelberg game approach. This involves the microgrid operator acting as the leader, determining internal selling and buying prices, while the homes function as followers. The home occupants, as end-users, are provided with insights into the optimal internal prices, enabling them to make informed decisions about their energy consumption. However, the energy consumption values derived from this approach reflect the suboptimal energy usage patterns typically found in conventional homes. To address this limitation, the second stage of the methodology employs an additional optimization process that accounts for end-game prices, appliance dynamics, user preferences, and available photovoltaic energy. Through this refined approach, an optimal allocation of available power supply and load demand is achieved. The ultimate outcome is the minimization of costs for end-users, while ensuring efficient energy utilization and distribution.