Optimal Operation Strategy for Multi-Energy Microgrid Participating in Auxiliary Service

Since multi-energy microgrid (MEMG) can coordinate various resources to operate as a virtual power plant (VPP), it is an important way to maintain the stable and economic operation of the power systems and decrease the impact of intermittence of distributed energy resources (DERs). However, the potential of MEMG as a VPP has not been thoroughly explored since auxiliary service (AS) market is not fully open for MEMG at present. The relevant challenges include balancing conflict of interests among multiple energy entities, motivating users to adjust flexible loads, integrating multiple flexible resources in energy supply/demand sides and formulating specific policies, etc. To handle these tasks, an optimal operation strategy for MEMG participating in AS is proposed by considering Stackelberg game theory and integrated demand response (IDR). The feasibility of the proposed strategy is validated by a practical MEMG in Hunan, China. The results show that the economic benefits of energy entities are effectively raised and the peak-shaving AS is realized while user satisfaction is also maintained. This work would give reference to the constructor of future AS market to formulate polices about the operation modes and pricing schemes of MEMG.