A mathematical model for the optimal operation of the University of Genoa Smart Polygeneration Microgrid: Evaluation of technical, economic and environmental performance indicators

The continuous spread of DER (Distributed Energy Resource) systems and CHCP (Combined Heat, Cooling and Power) technologies around the world highlights critical issues concerning the management strategies of such complex energy infrastructures. The concept of SG (Smart Grid) could be the solution to these problems even if nowadays there are not so many ongoing research and development applications that demonstrate the effective economic and environmental benefits consequent to exploiting smart grid technologies. Therefore, it is essential to develop, both in civil and industrial applications, smart grid/microgrid test-bed facilities where the synergy of new equipment, advanced management systems and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) can determine advantages in terms of operational cost reduction, primary energy saving and CO2 emission decrease. The present paper describes the main components of the SPM (Smart Polygeneration Microgrid) of the Genoa University located at the Savona Campus. The paper is focused on a mathematical model developed to optimally manage the SPM in order to minimize daily operational costs. The optimal results are reported also pointing the attention on CO2 emission reduction and primary energy saving consequent to the optimal operation of the SPM in comparison with the current reference scenario not based on the distributed generation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.