A Sustainable Optimization Framework for Demand-Side Energy Scheduling in Grid-Connected Microgrid Management System

The growing integration of renewable energy sources in grid-connected microgrids (MG) has made it increasingly challenging to attain the most cost-effective and emission-efficient power dispatch in the face of uncertainty. This study addresses the scheduling problem of MG under utility-induced demand side load participation level for residential areas. Our research overcomes the constraints of conventional techniques by utilizing quantum-inspired particle swarm optimization (QPSO) to improve the operational efficiency and resilience of MG’s. In this study, a three-stage stochastic framework is proposed to address the optimal energy scheduling of MGs while taking economic and emission aspects into account. Using real-time meteorological data, five Cases were investigated and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. Without the involvement of load participation, MG’s producing units in first Case, had carbon emissions of 797.110 kg and an operating cost of 267.10 €. Similar to this, the impact of demand side on the MG was evaluated in the remaining Cases. According to the simulation results, the fifth Case, which has optimal DGs scheduling, is the suggested way to improve MGs efficiency and provide a dependable power supply with low operating costs, emission reduction, and convergence features. This study not only demonstrates the practicality of QPSO algorithms but also paves the way for more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.