Model predictive control of microgrids for real-time ancillary service market participation

•Developed microgrid control algorithm that includes energy market participation.•Model predictive control showed up to 13.73% improvement over logic-based control.•Shorter time steps for control actions and longer prediction horizons reduce costs.•Participation in ancillary service market reduces operating expenses up to 23.47%.•Battery maintained 38.78% greater SOC to bid into ancillary service markets.