Combining Machine Learning Analysis and Incentive-Based Genetic Algorithms to Optimise Energy District Renewable Self-Consumption in Demand-Response Programs

Abstract

The recent rise of renewable energy sources connected to the distribution networks and the high peak consumptions requested by electric vehicle-charging bring new challenges for network operators. To operate smart electricity grids, cooperation between grid-owned and third-party assets becomes crucial. In this paper, we propose a methodology that combines machine learning with multi-objective optimization to accurately plan the exploitation of the energy district&rsquo

s flexibility with the objective of reducing peak consumption and avoiding reverse power flow. Using historical data, acquired by the smart meters deployed on the pilot district, the district&rsquo

s power profile can be predicted daily and analyzed to identify potentially critical issues on the network. District&rsquo

s resources, such as electric vehicles, charging stations, photovoltaic panels, buildings energy management systems, and energy storage systems, have been modeled by taking into account their operational constraints and the multi-objective optimization has been adopted to identify the usage pattern that better suits the distribution operator&rsquo

s (DSO) needs. The district is subject to incentives and penalties based on its ability to respond to the DSO request. Analysis of the results shows that this methodology can lead to a substantial reduction of both the reverse power flow and peak consumption.

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• http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/electronics9060945 under the license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by

• https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/9/6/945/pdf under the license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

• https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/9/6/945,

https://academic.microsoft.com/#/detail/3032957024 under the license cc-by

• https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/9/6/945,

https://doaj.org/toc/2079-9292

• https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/9/6/945/pdf,

http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/electronics9060945

under the license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/