Design for Optimum Utilization of Integrated Energy Systems with Application to Rural Areas

This study uses multi objective linear programming (MOLP) as an optimization modeling tool to allocate various types of energy sources in rural areas. In Iran, about 99% of rural areas have access to grid connected electricity but access to thermal energy supply for heating and cooking is very difficult especially in impassable areas. So, the use of local renewable energy sources can be a suitable option for energy production in comparison with other sources of energy. This model can provide an Integrated Rural Energy Management System (IREMS) based on energy availability and demand with a minimum cost system and environmental protection configuration. Energy demand is divided in two categories; electrical and thermal. Electricity can be provided by a combination of wind, solar, small hydro power and electrical grid. Heat can be provided by oil, natural gas, gasoil, biogas, biomass, solar and geothermal district heating system. Six criterions were considered for determination of each energy sources in rural areas. These criterions can affect the selection of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Easy access and very low emissions of green house gases are considered as main reasons for selecting renewable energies. The low price for providing energy and the easy to work nature of these equipments for the villagers are considered as existing priorities for selecting the fossil and wood fuels in rural areas. The model, as a case study, was applied for the village of kokhmamo on the Kordestan province located on the western part of Iran. The results were compared to a similar situation in a village in India and a good agreement was found between these two studies.