Multi-objective Optimization of Energy Hubs at the Crossroad of Three Energy Distribution Networks

This paper provides a multi-objective optimization framework aimed at the management of a multi-carrier energy system involving both electricity and hydrogen. Using the concept of the multi-carrier hub, the proposed system has been modelled in order to define completely every energy flow inside the plant. After that, a heuristic multi-objective optimization algorithm, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II, has been implemented for the energy management of the plant, taking into account simultaneously three different objective functions related to economic and technical goals. This optimization process provides the set point defining the working configuration of the plant for a daylong time horizon. The communication framework between the energy management system, the real plant and the monitoring tool has been developed too, using the Open Platform Communications (OPC) protocol for the data exchange. This has been presented along with the Decision Support System (DSS) provided by the optimizer and the Human Machine Interface (HMI) of the Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring the plant. All the presented applications are going to be deployed on a real plant demonstrator. Keywords-multi-carrier hub; multi-objective optimization; energy management system; OPC protocol; hydrogen storage.