Yes / Hybrid AC-DC microgrid (HMG) allows direct integration of both AC distributed generators (DGs) and DC DGs, AC and DC loads into the grid. The AC and DC sources, loads are separate out and are connected to respective subgrid mainly to reduce the power conversion, thus the overall efficiency of the system increases. This paper aims to introduce a novel hybrid AC-DC microgrid planning and design model within a microgrid market environment to maximize net social welfare (NSW). NSW is defined as present value of total demand payment minus present value of total planning cost including investment cost of distributed energy sources (DERs) and converters, operation cost of DERs and the cost of energy exchange with the utility grid subject to network constraints. Scenario Tree approach is used to model the uncertainties related to load demand, wind speed and solar irradiation. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated through the simulation studies on a 28-bus real hybrid AC-DC microgrid.

A hybrid ac/dc microgrid is a more complex but practical network that combines the advantages of an AC and a DC system. The main advantage of this network is that it connects both alternating current and direct current networks via an interlinking converter (IC) to form a unified distribution grid. The hybrid microgrid (HMG) will enable the direct integration of both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) distributed generators (DGs), energy storage systems (ESS), and alternating current and direct current (DC) loads into the grid. The alternating current and direct current sources, loads, and ESS are separated and connected to their respective subgrids primarily to reduce power conversion and thus increase overall system efficiency. As a result, the HMG architecture improves power quality and system reliability. Planning a hybrid microgrid entails estimating the capacities of DGs while taking technical, economic, and environmental factors into account. The hybrid ac-dc microgrid is regarded as the distribution network of the future, as it will benefit from both ac and dc microgrids. This thesis presents a general architecture of a hybrid ac-dc microgrid, which includes both planning and design. The goal of the Hybrid ac-dc microgrid planning problem is to maximise social welfare while minimising total planning costs such as investment, maintenance, and operation costs. This configuration will assist Hybrid microgrid planners in estimating planning costs while allowing them to consider any type of load ac/dc and DER type. Finally, this thesis identifies the research questions and proposes a future research plan.