Decentralized distributionally robust energy and reserve co-optimization of smart building clusters with virtual energy storage capability.

• We propose a decentralized distributionally robust optimization model for interconnected smart buildings based on P2P energy sharing. • We implement the energy sharing strategy based on the alternating direction method of multipliers. • We develop an equivalent virtual energy storage model for the energy and reserve co-dispatch of HVAC systems. • We apply the distributionally robust optimization approach to accommodate the uncertainty of renewables. The development of distributed renewable energy sources (RESs), and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are facilitating the drive toward smart building energy operation modes, along with peer-to-peer (P2P) energy sharing and reserve co-optimization between smart buildings. However, while distributionally robust optimization (DRO) methods are ideally suited to such decentralized conditions, the application of DRO methods within P2P environments and the co-optimization of operationally flexible HVAC systems for providing additional energy reserves within smart building clusters remain poorly developed. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a decentralized DRO model for smart building clusters. The P2P energy sharing strategy is implemented in a fully decentralized manner based on an alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm, and a virtual energy storage model of HVAC systems is established for implementing the co-optimization of energy and reserve between buildings. Finally, the DRO approach is applied to accommodate uncertainties in RES outputs and thereby obtain a worst-case expected total cost. The DRO model is solved by its reformulation into a tractable second-order cone program by applying linear decision rules and second-order cone duality. The effectiveness and economy of the proposed approach are demonstrated by its simulated application to a representative building cluster consisting of three smart buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]