A Multi-Energy Microgrid Integrating Bio-Gas Production for Local and Market Services Provision

Abstract

The decarbonisation policy is leading to introduce a huge quantity of renewable generators, mainly supplied by sun irradiation and wind. This policy also assumes the natural gas as one of the fossil fuel still considered for the future energetic development plans. Security of supply and the possibility to maintain a large number of dispatchable and controllable generators, gas supplied, to support the stability of power system should be warranted. Multi-energy systems (MES) integration is the key assumed to ensure a safe energetic future without fossil fuels. MESs are thought as the synergic integration enabling to mobilize several types of services and in particular to the power system. (Multi-Energy) Microgrid play a relevant role in this transformation phase as they encourage the installation of renewable generators and also implement management strategies to strongly integrate the different resources at hand. In this paper a microgrid energy management program is proposed to optimize the production of renewable production (photovoltaic) coupled with thermal and electrical generators to meet electrical and thermal demand. The microgrid considered held a bio-methane generation unit which is able to supply the gas-loads of the microgrid as well as to inject gas inside the (distribution) gas network. The paper highlights the remunerability of the microgrid while it is operated to support the internal demand (electricity, gas and heat) as well to provide ancillary services to power system.