Title:

Utilizing Coalition Games to Optimize Micro-grid Distribution Networks

Abstract:

The concept of micro-grids, one of the cutting-edge research topics in smart grid, is proposed to ease the load on the main grid by
networking groups of distributed renewable generators (e.g. solar panels, PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), wind turbines, etc.) and small loads. While most existing research has focused on system control and communication technologies inside micro-grids, this paper uses cooperative game theory to develop novel coalition formation algorithms for electricity trading based on the micro-grid (MG)
locations and cable power losses. To achieve this purpose, novel coalition formation algorithms that group together single MGs into partitions
by forming disjoint MG coalitions are formulated. Every MG has a random energy surplus or demand either to sell or to buy among themselves within
coalitions in order to reduce the power losses associated with using power from the main grid. The coalition formation algorithms are evaluated in terms of 1) average power loss per MG, 2) average coalition size, 3) average operation and utility calls per MG with dynamic changes of power surplus over a day. Three
game theory methods (merge-and-split, switch operation, and weak-merge-weak-split in coalition formations) are evaluated and compared with a non-cooperative and a brute-force method to form coalitions. Simulation results show game theory methods always yield good performance.