Intelligent optimization algorithm-based electricity pricing strategy for smart building clusters

Abstract

With the continuous infusion of renewable energy sources, smart buildings have evolved from single-load characteristics into dual characteristics with both electric energy production and consumption capability. Concurrently, the peak and off-peak periods of electricity consumption are influenced by climatic factors, which leads to complexity and deviation from the time-of-use tariffs set by electricity markets, which consequently result in a loss of revenue from grid-based electricity sales. Thus, adopting an innovative pricing mechanism to offset the revenue deficit in the grid assumes paramount significance. Built upon a dual-layer framework that employs intelligent optimization algorithms, this study proposes a pricing strategy for introducing the retail electricity provider into smart building clusters with peer-to-peer power sharing as the core. First, the independent operation model of intelligent buildings and electric energy sharing model without the participation of retail power suppliers are respectively established. Subsequently, with the aim to minimize alliance costs, a novel energy sharing pricing model involving retail electricity suppliers is developed, and a combination of particle swarm optimization and alternating direction multiplier methods is used for distributed solutions within a representative model. This approach yields optimal energy sharing transaction volumes and pricing while ensuring the confidentiality of each participating entity. Lastly, from the perspectives of the power grid, retail electricity suppliers, and multi-building smart alliances, this study conducts simulation analyses of key parameters that influence the bargaining effectiveness of retail electricity suppliers. These parameters encompass the upper limit of pricing, market supervision coefficient, and discount coefficient associated with the grid-based electricity sales to suppliers. Through these analyses, the study further validates the efficacy of the proposed strategy.