A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Water–Energy–Food Grids in Isolated Communities

This paper evaluates the applicability of different multi-objective optimization methods such as goal programming, weighted sum, and epsilon constraint in a polygeneration system. The problem under study aims to meet the water, energy, and food demands in an isolated community. The model includes three fundamental objectives, which are the maximization of the economic benefit, the minimization of the greenhouse gas emissions, and the minimization of freshwater consumption. Because the objectives are in conflict, it is necessary to implement strategies that allow to obtain trade-off solutions. To show the applicability of the proposed approach, a case study for the community of Mexico with the lowest human development index is presented. The results show feasible solutions for satisfying the needs of the community considering the trade-offs of the different objectives, with the goal programming method the one that provides the most attractive solution except for the economic objective, unlike the Epsilon Constraint method that provides the best solutions with respect to the economic objective.