Operations Research 2025
Abstract Submission

189. Integrated Optimization of a Combined Heat and Power Plant with Battery Energy Storage and Photovoltaic Systems

Invited abstract in session WE-3: District heat and heat networks, stream Energy and Sustainability.

Wednesday, 16:30-18:00
Room: H5

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Laura Henke
Institute of Management and Economics, Clausthal University of Technology
2. Jürgen Zimmermann
Operations Research, TU Clausthal

Abstract

In recent years, energy costs have risen due to climate change and political crises. Companies with a high energy demand are striving to become more independent from energy suppliers while promoting sustainable energy consumption.
Combined heat and power (CHP) plants are more energy-efficient than conventional boilers and power plants. CHPs utilize heat which emerges when power is generated. However, most CHP plants still rely on fossil fuels like natural gas or oil. To improve the environmental impact and reduce energy costs, solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) systems could be considered.
In Germany, buildings are primarily heated in winter when sunlight is less abundant. During this period, a CHP can be effectively used to meet both heating and electricity demands. In summer, when heating demands are reduced, the PV system generates inexpensive and clean energy. The BES can be charged by the CHP or PV system during times of energy surplus. Any excess energy can also be fed into the public power grid. During periods of less power production, the BES can be discharged, or electricity can be drawn from the grid.
A deterministic mixed-integer model has been developed to optimize the operation of the proposed energy system. Operational and emission costs are minimized and the model aims to determine an operational plan for the CHP and BES taking into account the power generation of the PV system and a given energy demand.
To identify an optimal operational schedule, hourly data of one year is used. A fix-and-optimize approach has been implemented to achieve an acceptable solution within a short timeframe. Additionally, the impact of various parameters and costs is examined.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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