Optimization and decision-making methods in realization of tri-generation systems

Two vital factors in energy production are constantly sought at a time where global environmental awareness has potentially increased: energy efficiency and economy. In the absence of renewable or green energy, multigeneration systems are a necessity, delivering multiple forms of usable energy in one system package. For such systems to be realized, it is important that they are optimally designed and selected according to end-user preferences but also meeting the energy, economy, and environment conditions or obligations. Proper design should take into consideration such evaluation criteria, and be optimized correspondently, after which a decision should be made regarding the most appropriate system to be employed. This chapter will go through the different aforementioned design, optimization, and decision-making methods and their application as referred in literature.