Journal of Modeling and Simulation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Journal of Modeling and Simulation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

A Novel Reinforcement Learning Framework for Hybrid Microgrid Dispatch Strategy based on Markov Decision Processes

Document Type : Research Article

Author
Department of Electrical Engineering, Mazandaran University of Science and Technology, Babol, Iran.
Abstract
Abstract--This paper introduces a novel Model-Free Markov Chain-based Reinforcement Learning (MFMC-RL) framework for the optimal energy management of hybrid microgrids. The core challenge in microgrid operation lies in managing the inherent uncertainties associated with intermittent renewable power generation, variable load demands, and complex battery system dynamics, particularly within a large-scale, non-linear environment. To overcome the computational burdens associated with centralized control strategies, we develop a unified, model-free learning approach. This system leverages the statistical power of Markov Chains to accurately model the stochastic nature of the environmental disturbances (load and renewable output). The proposed MFMC-RL framework achieves optimal hourly operational scheduling by learning the optimal control policy directly from system interactions, effectively maximizing overall microgrid profitability while minimizing operational costs and external grid dependency. The effectiveness and robustness of the developed learning-based control strategy are rigorously evaluated through extensive simulations using real-world data sourced from Iranian renewable energy installations and contemporary energy market pricing structures. The results indicate that the proposed MFMC-RL framework achieves up to 11.8% faster convergence and reduces operational costs by 5.2% compared to DDPG method, while maintaining superior stability under high uncertainty.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 August 2026

  • Receive Date 06 April 2026
  • Revise Date 02 June 2026
  • Accept Date 15 July 2026