Modeling and optimal operation of sustainable thermoelectric microgrids with phase-change material thermal system

This paper proposes an Energy Management System for a thermoelectric microgrid that incorporates the modeling of a unique Phase-Change Material-based thermal system, capable of operating in both active and passive modes to minimize operating costs while guaranteeing thermal comfort, while properly considering the microgrid thermal power requirements and indoor temperature control. The proposed model also includes a detailed thermal representation of buildings to consider relevant thermal sources and room heat exchange, as well as heat pumps, water tanks for thermal storage, and battery degradation. A Model Predictive Control approach is used to address uncertainties in demand and environmental conditions. The proposed Energy Management System model is applied to the Energy Smart Home Lab microgrid located at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, in Germany, taking into account the specific characteristics of the microgrid’s components, expected energy consumption, and indoor temperature control requirements. Simulation results demonstrate the feasible application of the developed Energy Management System for the optimal operation of the actual microgrid considered, illustrating the thermoelectric microgrid’s power balance and temperature fluctuations of the associated components, with particular emphasis on the operation of the Phase-Change Material system, to showcase its active and passive thermal contribution under extreme weather conditions.