A roadmap for distribution energy management via multiobjective optimization

Multiobjective optimization has been applied to the problem of optimal energy management in power distribution systems. Future distribution systems with increased deployment of distributed energy storage devices and distributed energy resources are being designed under the aegis of a number of sectors of the power engineering community. This includes the National Science Foundation supported Future Renewable Electric Energy Distribution Management (FREEDM) center. A technical roadmap for the FREEDM center distribution system is proposed that is based on multiobjective optimization. Diverse objectives in the optimal control of the distribution energy management system are handled through a Pareto optimal approach. The normal boundary intersection method is used to develop a Pareto optimal front and solving the multiobjective optimization subroutine has been approached through separable programming techniques. Uncertainty in load demand and distributed resource power output are incorporated in the test cases studied to formulate a robust algorithm for distribution energy management. The paper also makes brief reference to the Smart Grid and its objectives - and how the proposed distribution energy management fits into this initiative.