Optimized scheduling of µCHP plants to reduce peak load of low voltage networks

Inhalt:
This paper focuses on the optimal operation of decentralized and controllable micro combined heat and power plants (muCHPs) to reduce peak load from the network’s perspective. The aim is to reduce the peak load of the low voltage networks by shifting the operation times of the muCHPs into times with maximum electrical demand. The required flexibility is given by a thermal storage, which ensures the decoupling of the electrical generation from thermal demand. For optimal operation of the muCHPs an evolutionary algorithm was developed to calculate the schedule of muCHPs for defined scenarios. Within the scenarios, the low voltage network structure with residential buildings and also the penetration of muCHPs varie. The optimization results in a maximum reduction of the daily and annual peak load at the secondary substation and feeders. Additionally, the influence of the parameters storage capacity and rated power of the muCHPs will be shown.