A multi-objective energy management system for microgrids: Minimization of costs, exergy in input, and emissions

In this paper, a multi-objective Energy Management System (EMS) for polygeneration microgrids is presented. The proposed tool has been developed within the LIVING GRID project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Research (actions related to the Italian Technology Cluster on Energy), and it is characterized by a detailed representation of generation units and flexible loads, as well as electric/thermal networks and storage systems that can be present in microgrids and sustainable districts. An optimization model has been developed in which the objective function is related to the minimization of costs and emissions, and the maximization of the overall exergy efficiency of the system. The decision model is applied to a real case study represented by the Savona Campus of the University of Genoa in Italy.