Cloud Energy Storage System Enabled Interactive Scheduling of Smart Homes/Buildings and Microgrids To Maximize Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting

Abstract

This manuscript establishes an optimal model aiming at minimizing the energy consumption costs of microgrids (MGs) by incorporating the interactions between MGs and the main grid. The smart homes/buildings, inside the MGs, are hosting renewable photovoltaics (PVs), targeting their energy harvesting maximization. Based on data sharing possibility, higher flexibility is contemplated through cloud-based energy storage system (CESS). Thanks to CESS presence, a shared pool of energy charging and discharging is made economically justified for the MGs enabling interactive energy transactions. Here, PV energy exploitation is first dedicated for local loads, say as fixed loads and controllable appliances. Then, the PV surplus power is deemed to be sold to the main grid or stored in CESS to be used at peak time intervals. In the case of surplus energy toward the main grid, the reverse flow could instigate voltage rise in the point of common coupling of MG to the LVDS. This issue would jeopardize the MG's safe operation and lower the PV harvesting percentage. Proper technical constraints are hence included which would contribute to a wiser charging/discharging of CESS, the reverse flow intensity would be relieved, and the voltage rise would be diminished. Detailed simulation studies are tailored in depth.