Design and Operation Optimisation of Community Microgrids Considering Socio-Technical Complexity

Eklund, Melissa Mikaela

Design and Operation Optimisation of Community Microgrids Considering Socio-Technical Complexity

Eklund, Melissa Mikaela

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Publication Type:: Thesis
Issue Date:: 2024

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Eklund, Melissa Mikaela
dc.date.accessioned	2025-05-21T05:51:35Z
dc.date.available	2025-05-21T05:51:35Z
dc.date.issued	2024
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187437
dc.description	University of Technology Sydney. Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.description.abstract	This thesis explores the integration of social aspects into the design and operation of community microgrids using an interdisciplinary approach. By drawing on theories from social capital, energy systems engineering, and business management, it introduces a multi-level framework that systematically addresses the social, technical, and economic complexities of community microgrids. Key contributions include the Social Capital Index (SCI) for assessing social capital, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework for aligning business models with community needs, and an optimisation methodology combining Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with energy justice principles to ensure efficiency and equity. The research also proposes strategies for community capacity building and policymaking, empowering stakeholders to design, operate, and govern microgrids sustainably. By bridging the gap between operational and technical aspects of microgrids, on the one hand, and social dimensions and context of communities they serve, on the other, this research contributes to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy future.	en_US.UTF-8
dc.format	Thesis (PhD)
dc.language.iso	en_US	en_US.UTF-8
dc.relation	https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/bitstream/10453/187437/1/thesis.pdf
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.rights	The author owns the copyright in this thesis including all reproduction and reuse rights for the work. The work may not be altered without the permission of the copyright owner. Attribution is essential when quoting or paraphrasing from this thesis.
dc.rights	© 2024 Melissa Mikaela Eklund
dc.rights	au.edu.uts.lib/cph
dc.title	Design and Operation Optimisation of Community Microgrids Considering Socio-Technical Complexity	en_US.UTF-8
dc.type	Thesis
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*

Abstract:

This thesis explores the integration of social aspects into the design and operation of community microgrids using an interdisciplinary approach. By drawing on theories from social capital, energy systems engineering, and business management, it introduces a multi-level framework that systematically addresses the social, technical, and economic complexities of community microgrids. Key contributions include the Social Capital Index (SCI) for assessing social capital, a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework for aligning business models with community needs, and an optimisation methodology combining Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with energy justice principles to ensure efficiency and equity. The research also proposes strategies for community capacity building and policymaking, empowering stakeholders to design, operate, and govern microgrids sustainably. By bridging the gap between operational and technical aspects of microgrids, on the one hand, and social dimensions and context of communities they serve, on the other, this research contributes to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy future.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187437