Energy and Water Co-Optimization for the Resilient Neighborhood of Future

Abstract

Electrical microgrids are small-scale energy systems that can operate in both grid-connected and standalone modes. The capability to island from the grid during disturbances and continue supplying the loads locally helps improve the reliability and resilience of the network. This concept can also be extended to water micronets that, upon need, can disconnect from the main water distribution network and utilize locally available water resources. The scheme can be implemented both for rural communities where the centralized municipal water distribution network is not available due to geographical or cost limitations, as well as for small-scale communities whose water network is temporarily out-of-service as a result of natural or manmade disasters such as earthquakes, water contamination, flooding, etc. This paper proposes a framework and a solution for co-optimization of energy and water networks for a neighborhood of residential units, with the goal of maximizing sustainability, i.e. utilizing local energy and water resources as much as possible. It is assumed that distributed energy resources along with demand response are employed to meet energy demands, while a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) built in the community is used to treat and recycle wastewater. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate mathematically how a self-contained community can schedule available energy and water resources optimally so that both energy and water demands are met with minimal external support. The problem is modeled as a multi-objective mixed-integer optimization model. A case study is presented as proof of concept.