Modeling and design of future multi‐energy generation and transmission systems

Abstract

AbstractOngoing changes in energy systems offer the opportunity to reconsider the design of our current energy infrastructures. As many new grid participants like combined heat and power plants involve other forms of energy in addition to electricity, the consideration of multi‐energy networks represents a useful planning approach. This approach consists in an integrated analysis of combined infrastructures for conversion, transmission and storage of electricity, heat and chemical energy carriers. The integrated operation of systems with different energy carriers offers a new degree of freedom to system planners: energy can be generated, stored, and transmitted in various forms before being distributed to consumers in the adequate form. Different possible solutions for the design of multi‐energy systems will exhibit differences in costs and risks. In order to adequately assess these two quantities, mean‐variance portfolio theory is applied. Portfolio theory has been used in several cases of electricity generation planning. This paper shows the required modeling adaptations for the analysis of portfolios with multiple energy outputs and illustrates the application of portfolio theory in the context of multi‐energy infrastructures. The presented method can be used for the integrated planning of energy systems including the generation, the transmission and the possibility of additional conversion of multiple energy carriers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.