Design and optimization of zero-carbon integrated energy system for highway service area

Abstract

Abstract The challenge of achieving dual-carbon targets arises from the issue of high carbon emissions in Chinese highway service areas. To address this, a comprehensive electric-thermal-hydrogen energy system is proposed, consisting of a new energy generation system, heat pumps, electrolyzers, hydrogen fuel cells, energy storage devices, and charging stations. A dispatch model for the integrated energy system is established, with the objective of minimizing the total operating cost while satisfying the constraints of each device and the electric-thermal-hydrogen balance. The model is implemented in MATLAB, and the ideal optimal solution for each decision variable is obtained using the Gurobi solver. The investment and operating costs, as well as the scheduling results for electricity, heat, and cooling, are analyzed. The results indicate that the electrolyzer-fuel cell system can improve the system’s operational stability and flexibility in dispatch optimization. Due to the instability of photovoltaic and wind power devices and the fluctuating nature of loads, energy storage devices are required for peak load shaving in the system. The zero-carbon integrated energy system model can calculate the most economical investment plan based on the load and meteorological conditions of different service areas.