An integrated platform for electrical modeling of microgrids

Aggregates of loads and generators working coordinated, called microgrids, are new entities appearing at distribution level. In this paper, an integrated platform for energy modeling of microgrids is proposed. The platform allows the evaluation of heat and electrical energy balance terms and of the steady state features of the distribution system supplying the grid. The interface is friendly and allows the positioning of different items, such as co-generators, photovoltaic and wind units, Electric Vehicles parking lots and buildings. The platform is built in Matlab while the interface in Java. Each component of the model can be placed using a CAD facility and each ‘node’ is characterized by different features and can be easily connected through suitable ‘links’. Links can either be lines (cables or aerial) or transformers and pipes over the heat layer. The load flow problem is solved using the Newton Raphson algorithm. All nodes can be either simulated as PQ or PV buses. EV parking lots are modeled using statistical methods ([1], [2], [3]) and considering the presence of different types of Electric Vehicles with different sizes and thus driving ranges and battery sizes. The platform also models micro-grids heating systems within a small area with few buildings (MFH, office, school). A simplified dynamic model has been studied and implemented to evaluate primary energy savings through the use of district heating instead of individual heating systems in buildings.