Reliability assessment of microgrid power systems using analytic hierarchy process for distributed generation selection

Abstract

The primary aim of many electric utility providers is to provide electric energy to their customers as economical and reliable as possible. One of the ways to achieve this is the integration of distributed generation to form microgrid within the distribution network systems. Integration of microgrid into the distribution network has been on the increase in the past decade because it helps to reducing cost. Higher penetration of renewable energy resources in the microgrid also help to reduce the green house gas (GHG) from fossil fuel- based generation sources and its effect on the environment. It also helps to improve the reliability, as well as the overall efficiency of the distribution network system. The main drivers for the application of distributed generators has been the cost of the technology, the availability of resource and the environmental effect. Many literature on reliability assessment of microgrid power systems focus on identifying the weak or critical components of the system as the main criteria for choosing distributed generators to be integrated into the network in the context of producing power that is economical to both the customer and the utility provider. Other literatures also consider the availability of the renewable resources of that geographic location. This study seeks to consider three criteria in selecting the most suitable distributed generator for integration into the microgrid. The criteria include the cost of the technology, the environmental impact, and the reduction in the risk level in the power distribution network containing microgrid. Analytical hierarchy process is implemented to determine which of the distributed generators would be the most suitable with respect to the three criteria. It was determined that the wind turbine generator would be the most suitable DG for the microgrid implementation based on the final average priority ratio after the sensitivity analysis was performed.