Optimization of Renewable Electricity Generation Systems Connected in a Microgrid

---

The ever-increasing electrical energy demands, limited fossil fuels, risks related to nuclear energy, climate change, and the national desire for energy independence and diversification of energy sources thrust the distributed production of electric power from renewable sources to the forefront as a key element in achieving sustainable development.

The need for the local community to achieve sustainable economic and ecological development has been long recognized within the European Union. In this regard, the EU supports research on smart grids and their building blocks – microgrids. The main problem in the usage of renewable electrical energy sources (REES) is their intermittency, which leads to problems in regulating the power system. This problem exists both at the local production/storage/consumption level and at the power system level.

Furthermore, the problem becomes more pronounced with the increasing contribution of REES to total energy production. A natural solution is to derive a coordinated and dynamic planning strategy for the production/storage/consumption of electric power. By connecting REES, energy storage facilities, and consumers in a microenergy subsystem – the so-called microgrid – one can control resulting energy flows while considering the forecast of energy source availability. The solution to such problems – via optimization – that considers techno-economical criteria will significantly improve the integration of renewable energy sources on both the local and global levels.

This program includes 4 research teams with the necessary and complementary competences and research experiences:

• Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing Zagreb (FER),
• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture Zagreb (FSB),
• Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (DHMZ),
• Končar – Electrical Engineering Institute (KIET).

Over ninety percent of the electricity generated in developed countries is consumed in homes, buildings, and industry. Greater attention must therefore be paid to end-use sectors if the promised benefits of smart grids – reduction of electricity consumption/losses, integration of renewable generation and storage, reduced use of fossil fuels, and improved grid reliability – are to be realized.

Thanks to the complementary competences from respective research fields, the partners involved in this program will contribute to the reliable and optimal operation of renewable energy sources connected in a microgrid. In this way, the program ensures progress toward establishing a center of excellence in the area of decentralized and distributed renewable electricity generation, making a crucial step toward smart grids and smart cities.