Mixed-Integer Algorithm for Optimal Dispatch of Integrated PV-Storage Systems

The exploitation of combined photovoltaic (PV) plants and storage systems is nowadays assuming growing importance, due to the technical, environmental, and economical benefits which can derive from an optimal integration. In this paper, a mixed-integer algorithm for the optimal dispatch of a storage system, based on the day-ahead PV forecasting is developed. The optimization objective is the maximization of the total production of the integrated system, according to a requested active power profile, which can be defined by the operator. The study case of an existing distribution management system, which operates on the low-voltage microgrid at University of Genova is analyzed. The procedure is validated by field results with particular attention to the storage round-trip efficiency.