Abstract
The cost-effective scheduling of distributed energy resources through sophisticated optimization algorithms is the main focus of recent work on microgrid energy management. In order to improve load factor and efficiency, load-shifting techniques are frequently used in conjunction with additional complex constraints such as PHEV scheduling and battery life assessment. Pollutant reduction, however, is rarely highlighted as a primary goal. An incentive-based demand response (IBDR) is introduced in the proposed work to close this gap and promote load curtailment during peak hours. IBDR policy rewards participant customers with incentives for load curtailment which in turn lowers emissions and generation costs. Furthermore, a trade-off approach ensures both environmental and economic sustainability by striking a balance between cost reduction and emission reduction. Considering the fact in view that the 30-40% of the microgrid customers are willing to participate in the IBDR program, six different scenarios that have been analysed, each of which involves various levels of grid participation and different approaches to pricing in the electricity market. These scenarios also include the implementation of demand response programmes. Differential evolution algorithm was used as the optimization tool for the study. The results achieved for all the scenarios demonstrate the suitability and effectiveness of implementing the suggested IBDR strategy in terms of cost savings. According to numerical results reported, the generating cost decreased by 10-13% with the inclusion of IBDR. Additionally, a 6-8% reduction in peak and 4-5% improvement in load factor was also realised as a positive impact of the IBDR policy. The weighted economic emission dispatch algorithm offered a balanced solution that considered both the minimum generation cost and emissions for various load models in the microgrid system.