In the heart of Tibet, where the air is thin and the energy demands are unique, a groundbreaking study is set to reshape the future of microgrid systems. Led by ZHANG Yifan from the School of Electrical Engineering at Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, the research focuses on the optimal scheduling of high-altitude multi-energy microgrid clusters, addressing both energy consumption and low-carbon economic operations.
The study, published in the journal “Power and Automation” (Diance yu yibiao), introduces a coordinated scheduling method for multi-microgrid systems under electricity price uncertainty. This is particularly crucial for high-altitude regions, where energy and oxygen demands are distinct and challenging. “Our goal was to develop a system that not only meets the energy needs but also operates in a low-carbon manner, aligning with the ‘dual carbon’ goals,” ZHANG Yifan explains.
The research proposes a combined heat and power (CHP) model that integrates a joint oxygen supply system. This system merges the power to gas-carbon capture system (P2G-CCS) with the power to hydrogen-vacuum pressure swing adsorption (P2H-VPSA). By leveraging a tiered carbon trading mechanism, the study introduces a low-carbon operation model for multi-energy microgrids.
One of the standout features of this research is its robust optimization strategy, which addresses electricity price fluctuations to mitigate system operation risks. Under the leadership of the electricity market, a system operator can optimize resource allocation through centralized dispatching. The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is employed to iteratively solve and optimize microgrid transaction volumes, ensuring a balanced supply-demand dynamic.
The practical implications of this research are significant. By reducing the operational costs of microgrids and overall energy costs, the proposed method demonstrates broad application prospects, particularly in weak distribution network environments. “This study not only provides a technical solution but also offers a commercial impact by making energy systems more efficient and cost-effective,” adds ZHANG Yifan.
The findings of this research could pave the way for future developments in the energy sector, particularly in high-altitude regions. As the world moves towards more sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions, the insights from this study will be invaluable. The integration of robust optimization and tiered carbon trading mechanisms could become a blueprint for similar projects globally, ensuring that energy systems are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.
In essence, this research is a testament to the innovative spirit of the energy sector, driving forward the boundaries of what is possible in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.