Distributed generation (DGs) and active distribution networks constitute an economic and technically viable alternative for reducing GHG emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources in local distribution grids. These networks combine small and efficient prime movers (e.g. micro gas turbines and ICEs) with renewable power generators (e.g. small wind and solar) in order to supply both electricity and heat to low voltage and district heating networks. By replacing large generators, usually located far from the consumption loads, these active networks allow minimizing distribution losses considerably. Additionally, thermal and electric storage units can be included, in order to maximize selfconsumption and provide with additional load balancing, that compensates the power variability from renewable energy generators. However, designing and successfully controlling these complex networks, becomes a great engineering challenge; most computational modeling and simulation tools available for these systems are either focused on the individual generation components themselves, or the economic dispatch of multiple generators. Moreover, these tools often rely on commercial software with closed code that use manufacturers’ data for defining the parameters of the models’ components without providing enough flexibility to users, for further improve or adjust these parameters. This paper presents an object-oriented, component-based, open software library for simulating and optimizing the operation of active distribution networks, including multiple DGs and energy storage (both electric and thermal). All the models developed use the Modelica open-source modeling language, consequently, all the equations and parameters developed for each component, can be modified and adapted to model and simulate multiple configurations of different types of active distribution networks. The model components of the library have been validated with real operation data from the polygeneration microgrid lab of the University of Genoa, located in Savona, Italy.
