Optimal design of integrated urban energy systems under uncertainty and sustainability requirements

Abstract

Large amounts of urban energy consumption and consequent environmental impacts are posing great pressure on sustainable development. Urban energy systems of the future should be designed in an integrated approach featuring enhanced economic and ecological performances. This work aims to develop a generic tool to support the optimal design of integrated urban energy systems. Methods of energy systems engineering are utilized to compose the tool, including superstructure-based modeling, mixed-integer linear programming, multi-objective optimization, and stochastic programming. The model is applied to facilitate the design of a newly planned urban region in North China. Results reveal trade-offs between system cost, carbon emission, and water consumption. Capability of integrated design is illustrated via multi-energy synthesis, process integration, and multi-regional interconnection. Considering uncertainties of renewables, more energy generation, conversion, and storage capacity are needed. The total cost expectation also increases. Ignoring uncertainties rooted in integrated urban energy systems might result in sub-optimal design.