A Bi-Level Programming Approach for Optimal Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Designs Considering Converter Losses

With the increase of direct current (DC) loads, hybrid alternating current (AC)/DC microgrids (MGs) have become a crucial research problem. The optimal designs of MGs are the key to ensure the economy and stability of MG operation. Therefore, we propose an approach for optimal hybrid AC/DC MG designs based on bi-level programming, which takes into account uncertainty and converter losses. First, we present a practical hybrid AC/DC MG framework. Second, with minimum economic costs, minimum pollutant emissions, and minimum converter losses as optimization objectives, we propose an optimal hybrid AC/DC MG design approach based on bi-level programming considering uncertainty. Third, we propose a solution method for the proposed bi-level model. Finally, we validate the correctness, rationality, and superiority of the proposed approach by performing case studies, which can provide in-depth insights for understanding and constructing hybrid AC/DC MGs. The results of case studies show that compared with AC MGs, hybrid AC-DC MGs can reduce converter losses.