CLOES: cross-layer optimal energy scheduling mechanism in a smart distributed multi-microgrid system

Optimal scheduling of multi-microgrids is one of the important tasks in multi-microgrid operations as it is an effective way to enhance operational and economic performance. However, with the presence of varied distributed dispatchable and non-dispatchable generation and loads in different microgrids make the optimal scheduling very challenging. This paper presents a cross-layer optimal energy scheduling (CLOES) mechanism in a multimicrogrid system, covering different elements of a community in a smart city such as industry, commercial/office, single residence and multi-dwelling unit with their varied nature of distributed generations and loads. The cross-layer sequential coordinated operations are performed between two layer i.e. lower and upper layer. The lower layer consists of different microgrids, whereas the upper layer comprises distribution system operator. The cross-layer sequential interactions between upper and lower layer lead to an optimal energy scheduling for each microgrid which is essential for the reliability of a multi-microgrid system. The importance of internal and external trading prices is described in a unique way for energy trading in a multi-microgrid system. The simulation result and discussions show the effectiveness of the proposed CLOES in terms of cost reduction in a multi-microgrid system compared to the independent external trading of each individual microgrid with the utility grid.