A Planning Model for a Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid using a novel GA/AC OPF Algorithm

This paper focuses on developing an appropriate combinatorial optimization technique for solving the optimal sizing problem of hybrid AC/DC microgrids. A novel two-stage iterative approach is proposed. In the first stage, a metaheuristic technique based on a tailor-made genetic algorithm is used to tackle the optimal sizing problem, while, in the second, a non-linear solver is deployed to solve the operational problem subject to the obtained design/investment decisions. The proposed approach, being able to capture technical characteristics such as voltage and frequency through a detailed power flow algorithm, provides accurate solutions and therefore can address operational challenges of microgrids. Its capability to additionally capture contingencies ensures that the proposed sizing solutions are suitable both during normal operation and transient states. Finally, the genetic algorithm provides convergence of the model with relative computational simplicity. The proposed model is applied to a generalizable microgrid comprising of AC and DC generators and loads, as well as various types of storage technologies in order to demonstrate the benefits. The load and natural resources data correspond to real data.