System and method for the energy management and control of microgrids

Abstract

A system and method for controlling a microgrid network comprises a plurality of distributed energy resources that supply electrical power to a plurality of loads. A controller coupled to the microgrid network and to the distributed energy resources and the loads includes a processor and a memory configured to execute a dispatch controller function block. The function block is configured to cause the processor to receive a total power demand of all the loads coupled to the microgrid network and at least one operational constraint corresponding to the plurality of distributed energy resources and cause the processor to determine using the operational constraint if there is sufficient electrical power available from the plurality of distributed energy resources to power the loads. The function block is further configured to determine which of the plurality of available distributed energy resources are required to be adjusted to supply electrical power to the plurality of the loads, causing the controller to adjust the electrical power output by each of the distributed energy resources.