Library

Description: In light of the energy transition production planning of future decarbonized energy systems lead to very large and complex optimization problems. A widely used modeling paradigm for modeling and solving such problems is mathematical programming. While there are various scientific energy system models and modeling tools, most of them do not provide the necessary level of detail or the modeling flexibility to be applicable for industrial usage. Industrial modeling tools, on the other hand, provide a high level of detail and modeling flexibility. However, those models often exhibit a size and complexity that restricts their scope to a time horizon of several months, severely complicating long-term planning. As a remedy, we propose a model class that is detailed enough for real-world usage but still compact enough for long-term planning. The model class is based on a generalized unit commitment problem on a network with investment decisions. The focus lies on the topological dependency of different energy production and transportation units.

Description: We propose a mathematical optimization model and its solution for joint chance constrained DC Optimal Power Flow. In this application, it is particularly important that there is a high probability of transmission limits being satisfied, even in the case of uncertain or fluctuating feed-in from renewable energy sources. In critical network situations where the network risks overload, renewable energy feed-in has to be curtailed by the transmission system operator (TSO). The TSO can reduce the feed-in in discrete steps at each network node. The proposed optimization model minimizes curtailment while ensuring that there is a high probability of transmission limits being maintained. The latter is modeled via (joint) chance constraints that are computationally challenging. Thus, we propose a solution approach based on the robust safe approximation of these constraints. Hereby, probabilistic constraints are replaced by robust constraints with suitably defined uncertainty sets constructed from historical data. The ability to discretely control the power feed-in then leads to a robust optimization problem with decision-dependent uncertainties, i.e. the uncertainty sets depend on decision variables. We propose an equivalent mixed-integer linear reformulation for box uncertainties with the exact linearization of bilinear terms. Finally, we present numerical results for different test cases from the Nesta archive, as well as for a real network. We consider the discrete curtailment of solar feed-in, for which we use real-world weather and network data. The experimental tests demonstrate the effectiveness of this method and run times are very fast. Moreover, on average the calculated robust solutions only lead to a small increase in curtailment, when compared to nominal solutions.

Description: The imperative to decarbonize energy systems has intensified the need for efficient transformations within the heating sector, with a particular focus on district heating networks. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a comprehensive optimization approach evaluated on the district heating network of the Märkisches Viertel of Berlin. Our objective is to simultaneously optimize heat production with three targets: minimizing costs, minimizing CO2-emissions, and maximizing heat generation from Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants for enhanced efficiency. To tackle this optimization problem, we employed a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) that encompasses the conversion of various fuels into heat and power, integration with relevant markets, and considerations for technical constraints on power plant operation. These constraints include startup and minimum downtime, activation costs, and storage limits. The ultimate goal is to delineate the Pareto front, representing the optimal trade-offs between the three targets. We evaluate variants of the 𝜖-constraint algorithm for their effectiveness in coordinating these objectives, with a simultaneous focus on the quality of the estimated Pareto front and computational efficiency. One algorithm explores solutions on an evenly spaced grid in the objective space, while another dynamically adjusts the grid based on identified solutions. Initial findings highlight the strengths and limitations of each algorithm, providing guidance on algorithm selection depending on desired outcomes and computational constraints. Our study emphasizes that the optimal choice of algorithm hinges on the density and distribution of solutions in the feasible space. Whether solutions are clustered or evenly distributed significantly influences algorithm performance. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of algorithm selection for multi-objective multi-energy system optimization, offering valuable guidance for future research and practical applications for planning sustainable district heating networks.