A recent study published in the journal ‘Energies’ sheds light on a groundbreaking two-stage optimal scheduling strategy for microgrid distribution networks, particularly focusing on the agricultural sector. This research, led by Guozhen Ma from the State Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Economic and Technological Research Institute, addresses the pressing challenges posed by the integration of large-scale distributed energy resources in rural areas of China.
As rural power systems undergo significant transformation, driven by the “double carbon” target set by the Chinese government, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. The study emphasizes the essential role of microgrids in agricultural parks, which can harness renewable energy sources like solar and wind power while optimizing operational efficiency. “The integration of multi-source agricultural load aggregation is key to enhancing the flexibility of power grid management in rural areas,” Ma notes.
The research introduces a two-stage model to optimize the scheduling of microgrid operations. In the first stage, the model focuses on economic optimization by considering flexible agricultural loads and market electricity prices. This allows for the efficient management of resources within the agricultural park, improving the overall economic viability of the operations. The second stage addresses the power interaction between the microgrid and the distribution network, optimizing the output of reactive power compensation devices to enhance voltage stability and reduce network losses.
The implications of this study are significant. By improving the local consumption rate of renewable energy from 47% to 72.6%, the agricultural parks can see a substantial increase in net income—up to CNY 272.2 per day. Moreover, the research demonstrates that with proper scheduling, the voltage stability of the distribution network can be maintained above 0.9 pu, while network losses can be reduced by 38.4%.
Ma emphasizes the broader impact of these findings: “Our two-stage optimal scheduling strategy not only enhances the economic performance of agricultural parks but also contributes to the sustainable development of rural power systems.” This research holds promise for transforming how rural energy systems operate, potentially serving as a model for other regions seeking to optimize their energy management strategies.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study could pave the way for more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, particularly in rural areas where traditional power systems face challenges. The integration of advanced energy management systems and optimization algorithms will be crucial for future developments, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy are fully realized.
For more information on this research, you can visit State Grid Hebei Electric Power Co., Ltd., Economic and Technological Research Institute.
