Abstract
•An optimal bidding problem for reconfigurable micro-grid (RMG) is developed.•A novel hybrid framework is introduced to handle the uncertainties of the RMG.•Shiftable loads are scheduled based on their activity intervals.•The effect of the hydrogen storage facility is examined on the profit of RMG.
Microgrids are going to be used in future intelligent grids as a promising technology to enable widespread utilization of renewable energy sources in a highly efficient and reliable manner. It is known that reconfiguration of micro-grids, using tie-line and sectionalizing switches, can provide more operational flexibility. Additionally, coordinated scheduling of flexible loads and energy storage systems can play an important role in the optimal scheduling of micro-grids; thus lowering the costs. This paper proposes an optimal bidding strategy for a micro-grid in day-ahead and real-time markets, based on AC power flow model, considering the hourly reconfiguration of the micro-grid. Fuel cell-based hydrogen energy storage and multiple shiftable loads are considered in the proposed method according to the load’s activity schedule. A reconfigurable micro-grid incorporates energy production and consumption of its local components to trade power in both day-ahead and real-time markets in order to maximize its profit as a private entity. The bidding problem faces issues due to the high level of uncertainties, consisting of wind power generation and electric load as well as variations of market prices. A hybrid two-stage bi-level optimization model is proposed to manage such uncertainties so that wind power, load demand, and day-ahead market prices are handled through scenario-based stochastic programming, and an information gap decision theory is applied to model the uncertainty of real-time market prices under two strategies, namely risk-seeker and risk-averse. The numerical simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model.