Undergraduate Research on Optimization to Learn the Minimization of Transmission Power Losses on DC Microgrids

This research-to-practice full paper describes an educational approach for non-engineers about the use of optimization in DC microgrids. This interdisciplinary project can help different students and academics in STEM to provide simplified and optimal solutions in DC microgrids. The application of optimization on the topic of DC microgrids will be a handy tool in the educative process for the awareness of the environmental effect of energy systems. The proposed educational methodology in this paper leverages numerical optimization techniques, explicitly employing MATLAB to minimize transmission power losses with photovoltaic modules under Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) conditions. Previous knowledge of basic programming, computer software, and derivation of functions, including partial derivatives, is needed to understand the basis for the optimization process. It is critical to know how to derive a function and how to find the Hessian matrix to find the minimal value, which will be the optimal value of a function. Additionally, knowledge of electrical engineering will allow further analysis of optimal solutions. The student will gain a deeper understanding of the subject and develop vital and technical skills that will empower them to use computer software as a valuable tool for optimizing a function subject to constraints. This expedited approach facilitates the acquisition of optimal solutions for approximate values. This paper works on developing a theory to educate students on renewable energy topics using mathematical analysis in real-world problems.