4.3. Flow models

This chapter provides a general methodology for flow models and an overview of two Brookhaven energy system optimization models, BESOM and TESOM, which are examples of characteristic applications. BESOM (Brookhaven Energy System Optimization Model) is an early — mid 1970's, single-period, single-region, linear programming model that was developed for the quantitative evaluation of energy technologies and policies within a systems framework. TESOM (the Time-stepped Energy System Optimization Model) is a late 1970's–early 1980's, multi-period, time sequential, linear programming model. TESOM provides a simulation background for the examination of national energy technology options and policies over a longer-term time horizon. Both models were designed to examine interfuel substitutions in the context of constraints on the availability of competing resources and technologies. Each has been linked to input-output and dynamic general equilibrium models to provide consistent, energy-economy scenarios and analysis.