Structural Optimization of Energy Supply Systems by a Decomposition Method for Mixed-Integer Linear Programming.

Abstract

A structural optimization method is proposed for designing energy supply systems in consideration of their multi-period operation. The structural optimization problem is formulated as a large-scale mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem with binary variables for selection and on/off status of equipment, and continuous variables for capacities and energy flow rates of equipment. The dependence of performance characteristics of equipment on their capacities and loads as well as that of capital costs of equipment on their capacities are incorporated into the optimization model. A decomposition method for solving MILP problems with the block angular structure is applied to carry out the optimization calculation efficiently. Through a numerical case study, the validity and effectiveness of the structural optimization method proposed here is clarified in terms of solution optimality and computation time.