MODELING AND OPTIMAL OPERATION OF A NETWORK OF ENERGY HUBS SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES

Energy hubs is a functional unit which is capable of transporting transforming and storing of several kinds of energy. Several hubs can be combined as a network and achieve higher efficiency by exchanging energy with each other. A framework to assist the decision-making process towards the optimal integration of independent small scale distributed energy systems and traditional large scale CHP power plants is presented using an energy supply system in Shanghai as a case study. A model of this complex network of energy hubs with renewable energy resources is presented based on energy flow between its constituent elements. Furthermore, GA optimization method is presented for short term 24-hour optimal operation. Case study are undertaken on a 7-node energy system which comprises 4 energy hubs and 3 load hubs. Results validate the high efficiency of this system. Two cases with and without internal-combustion engine failure within the. network are considered. The results showed that the proposed system can enhance the energy utilization efficiency and reduce the system operation cost, even under a system contingency.