Energy management of microgrids using power pinch analysis in the presence of network constraints

Power Pinch Analysis (PoPA) has been previously applied on simple microgrids, assuming no network losses and only one electrical energy storage system. In this work, we apply PoPA on a more realistic micro gird, with several loads, batteries and by considering local network constraints. The graphical approach which PoPA presents, helps in finding the energy targets for energy exchanges between various battery energy storage systems within the distribution network and upstream substation supply. Key to this analysis will be to establish the impact of network line losses in more realistic systems rather than the single standalone grid-connected PV-battery systems where PoPA has been previously presented. The new methodology is implemented on a simple 4-bus radial distribution test system and the results show the possibility of a significant change in energy flow patterns between batteries and upstream supply as network line losses are considered over a 24-hour time horizon. MATLAB and MATPOWER have been used to validate the study.