A bi-level control architecture for the optimal operation of smart grids

A bi-level approach is here proposed for the optimal control of smart grids, microgrids, virtual power plants and in general for power and energy systems that include distributed energy resources, renewables and storage devices. The upper decision level has the function of fixing the values of a certain set of parameters (reference values), to be applied at the lower decision level. On the basis of such parameters, each decision maker at the lower level solves its own optimization problem by tracking the reference values provided by the upper level. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through the application to a specific case study (Savona, Italy).