An integrated simulation tool proposed for modeling and optimization of CHP units

Abstract

In this project, a novel framework for CHP optimization is proposed. The objective of the study was to develop an automatic optimization tool based on the integration of IPSEpro simulation software and MATLAB programming environment. The data exchange between these components was organized via COM interface. An experimentally validated model of the commercial AET100 CHP unit was utilized. The CHP was considered as a part of a grid. Therefore electricity trading possibility was taken into account. The system was extended to polygeneration by implementing a solar panel as an additional power source. The objective was to minimize the cost function, which consists of operational and capital investments costs, under a set of constraints. For solving the problem, the Genetic Algorithm was applied. As an addition to the study, two other algorithms (Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evolution) were also tested. The applying a tool to real data was not considered in the project. However, an optimization was done for test data to show the performance of a developed framework. The test optimization was done for the 24-hours period in July and December, with different electricity and gas price profiles and various ambient conditions. The obtained results were analyzed in details. It was shown that the proposed optimization tool provides appropriate results. It is flexible and has a good potential to be further extended and developed.