Design and Operational Planning of Energy Networks Based on Combined Heat and Power Units

Energy planning aims at improving the overall efficiency, economic viability and reducing the environmental impact of energy management systems. Deregulation of electricity markets along with technology development have increased the level of competition allowing energy consumers to select among a variety of energy technologies, fuels and/or suppliers. This work presents a linear mixed integer programming model for the optimal design and operational planning of energy networks based on combined heat and power generators. The studied area is divided into a number of sections, each of which is characterized by a specific heat and electricity demand. Various energy generation technologies and heat storage tanks are modeled, while interchange of electricity can take place among the sections of the network, which is connected to the main power grid for potential power trade with it. There is also the option of an external heat source (i.e., a refinery) constituting an alternative supplier of heat to the sectors of the network. The objective function represents the minimization of total cost under full heat and electricity demand satisfaction. The applicability of the proposed model is illustrated using two illustrative examples, including a residential and an urban energy network. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations have been utilized to capture the effect of uncertainty characterizing some varying parameters, such as the heat demand (residential energy network) as well as the available heat from the refinery (urban energy network).