Comparative analysis of Q-learning, SARSA, and deep Q-network for microgrid energy management

The growing integration of renewable energy sources within microgrids necessitates innovative approaches to optimize energy management. While microgrids offer advantages in energy distribution, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, the variable nature of renewable energy generation and fluctuating demand pose significant challenges for optimizing energy flow. This research presents a novel application of Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms-specifically Q-Learning, SARSA, and Deep Q-Network (DQN)-for optimal energy management in microgrids. Utilizing the PyMGrid simulation framework, this study not only develops intelligent control strategies but also integrates advanced mathematical control techniques, such as Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Kalman filters, within the Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework. The innovative aspect of this research lies in its comparative analysis of these RL algorithms, demonstrating that DQN outperforms Q-Learning and SARSA by 12% and 30%, respectively, while achieving a remarkable 92% improvement over scenarios without an RL agent. This study addresses the unique challenges of energy management in microgrids and provides practical insights into the application of RL techniques, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.