GA-based optimal sizing of microgrid and DG units under pool and hybrid electricity markets

► An optimized sizing of microgrid (MG) and DGs in a distribution system is investigated. ► MG in this study consist several RES, includes PV, fuel cell and battery bank. ► The effect of power market models such as pool and hybrid is investigated. ► Genetic Algorithm is implemented for optimization. ► It is concluded that in hybrid model optimal power of DG and MG is lower than pool. In this paper an optimized design of micro-grid (MG) in a distribution system based on combination of photovoltaic array, fuel cell and battery bank with multiple DG units under hybrid electricity market model has been presented and so the results has been compared with results of pool electricity market. In this research, GA-based optimization method is used to obtain optimum power and price of the MG. Then, an objective function based on the total net present worth is considered and GA is employed to obtain the maximum net present worth of the MG, during interconnected operation by optimizing the production of local DGs and power exchanges with the main distribution grid.