A non-hierarchical ATC framework for parallel scheduling of active distribution network with multiple autonomous microgrids

This paper presents a Non-Hierarchical Analytical Target Cascading (NH-ATC) based framework, with no central coordinator, for optimal scheduling of Active Distribution Network (ADN) with multiple interconnected Microgrids (MGs). In this framework, all the MGs within an ADN are scheduled independently in parallel, regardless of their number, level, or location which are connected to the ADN. For coordination between MGs especially the multi-level one, an iterative process based on ATC is developed. So that the proposed method requires much less processing time in comparison with the hierarchical method when the levels of ADN are increased. Also, a new decomposition approach is proposed to model AC load flow equations in a decentralized and convex format. This approach requires limited data exchange and respects MGs' independency and their information privacy. Several case studies on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network with four configurations show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd