A Distributed Framework for Minimizing the Asymmetrical Power Request in Multi-Agent Microgrids with Unbalanced Integration of DERs

Microgrids (MGs) are initiated in power systems to speed up the integration of the independently operated distributed energy resources (DERs) into the network. In this regard, in multi-agent microgrids (MAMGs), independent agents aim to operate their resources, while the MG operator (MGO) coordinates independent agents to address the operational issues and ensures reliability of the system. In an MAMG, the high integration of single-phase DERs as well as their independent operational scheduling could result in the asymmetrical power flow in the upper-level system. Respectively, addressing the asymmetrical power request of the MAMGs by exploiting the scheduling of DERs seems to be essential due to the limited flexibility capacity in the upper-level power network, which would finally improve the operating condition of the power system. Consequently, this paper aims to develop a transactive-based scheme to minimize the conceived asymmetrical operation of MAMGs. Accordingly, MGO employs transactive energy signals to minimize the asymmetrical power request of the MAMG by exploiting the scheduling of DERs, while ensuring the privacy of independent agents. Eventually, the proposed framework is applied on an MAMG test system to study its efficacy in alleviating the asymmetrical power request from the upper-level system.