Optimization dispatching strategy for microgrid clusters with the integration of carbon quota trading

• A demand response dispatching strategy with the integration of response time is proposed for minimizing reliance on non-clean power sources by reducing load demand. • A dual-timescale carbon trading framework is proposed for microgrid clusters to reduce carbon emission penalty costs through strategic carbon trading. • An integrated dispatching strategy operating across multiple time scales is proposed to enhance the economic performance of microgrid clusters via the demand response and carbon trading. With increasing frequency of extreme climate events driven by the greenhouse effect, the transition toward cleaner, lower-carbon energy has become imperative. Microgrids, serving as effective platforms for managing distributed energy resources, show significant development potential. To explore the demand-side response (DSR) capabilities of microgrid clusters and their economic benefits under carbon trading mechanisms, this paper proposes a multi-timescale optimal dispatching strategy incorporating carbon trading. First, leveraging the distinct response characteristics of various DSR resources, we develop a response-time-based DSR dispatching strategy to enhance microgrid economic performance across multiple time scales. Second, we establish day-ahead and intraday carbon trading models for microgrid clusters, reducing carbon compliance costs through multi-temporal trading. Finally, comprehensive case studies validate the economic viability and operational effectiveness of the proposed approach. The designed case studies can verify that the proposed strategy can effectively reduce both operating costs and carbon emissions in microgrid clusters.