  In the field of microgrids with a significant integration of Renewable Energy
Sources, the efficient and practical power storage systems requirement is
causing DC microgrids to gain increasing attention. However, uncertainties in
power generation and load consumption along with the fluctuations of
electricity prices require the design of a reliable control architecture and a
robust energy management system for enhancing the power quality and its
sustainability, while minimizing the associated costs. This paper presents a
mixed approach illustrating both simulation and experimental results of a
grid-connected DC microgrid which includes a photovoltaic power source and a
battery storage system. Special emphasis is placed on the minimization of the
total operating cost of the microgrid while considering the battery degradation
cost and the electricity tariff. Thereby, an optimal energy management system
is proposed for Energy Storage Systems scheduling and enabling the minimization
of the electricity bill based on simple models. Simultaneously, the differences
between simulation and laboratory performances are highlighted.
