Research explores potential of smart grid energy optimization

SUNY Poly Assistant Professor Dr. Mahmoud Badr and peers recently published research titled “Reinforcement Learning for Fair and Efficient Charging Coordination for Smart Grid,” in the journal Energies. The research investigates the use of reinforcement learning (RL) to improve the coordination of home battery system charging in a smart grid.

The primary objective of the study was to enhance both grid efficiency and fairness among users. The system utilizes an actor-critic RL algorithm to adjust charging schedules dynamically, balancing grid constraints, individual battery capacities, and consumer needs. The study reports significant gains in total rewards, fairness in energy distribution, and overall customer satisfaction.

This research has the potential to optimize energy usage within smart grids, which is increasingly important as renewable energy sources and distributed energy storage systems become more widespread.

By implementing fair and efficient charging mechanisms, the approach can help balance energy supply and demand while reducing strain on the grid. This is crucial for enhancing the stability of smart grids, improving user satisfaction, and supporting the integration of renewable energy systems, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable energy management.