A P-graph model for multi-period optimization of sustainable energy systems

Abstract

Deployment of efficient, integrated energy systems can make a substantial contribution to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Such systems are suitable for the provision of distributed energy supply in remote areas, and offer the advantages of compactness and operational flexibility. Also, the simultaneous production of multiple products provides the opportunity for Process Integration, thus leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Process Systems Engineering methods can be applied for the synthesis of such sustainable energy systems. For example, process graph (or P-graph) models have previously been developed for synthesizing single-period polygeneration systems based on the Process Network Synthesis framework. In this work, a P-graph model for multi-period optimization of sustainable energy systems is developed. The model is able to synthesize flexible systems that can cope with changes in the availability of raw material supply and variations in product demand. In addition, the P-graph model is also capable of generating near-optimal solutions, which provide insights that may be significant to decision-makers, such as structural features that are common to a range of good solutions. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the approach developed in this work.