Optimum Coordination of Large Scale Energy Systems with Conflicting Performance Criteria

Abstract The research described here pertains to the development of a multi-level optimization and supervisory for a large scale energy system which includes sectors with conflicting performance criteria. The system discussed contains an industrial sector, which has an energy-intensive production process. This sector can generate both steam and electricity internally, or can purchase these quantities from an electric utility or from an independent third party which is an urban refuse burning plant and generates steam for sale to industrial and other customers. Given the steam and electric power requirements of the industrial sector and of the utility electric users and the cost structures, the results provide optimum operating levels for each sector and subsystems as well as energy flows. Simulation examples are worked out to demonstrate the use of the solution method. Examples cover a variety of demand and price schedule conditions throughout a time-cycle.