A systematic approach to the synthesis and design of flexible site utility systems

The paper presents a systematic approach for the synthesis of flexible utility systems satisfying varying energy demands. The approach combines benefits of total site analysis, thermodynamic analysis and mathematical optimisation. A thermodynamic efficiency curve (TEC) is developed, which gives an overview of the maximum thermodynamic efficiencies of all possible design alternatives. TEC and hardware composites guide the selection of candidate structures in the superstructure, excluding uneconomic options from the synthesis model. The integration of thermodynamics yields significant reduction in the synthesis model, addresses the impact of variable loads on the unit efficiencies, and enables a compact formulation of the design problem over long horizons of operation. The optimisation is formulated as a multi-period MILP problem that relies on new target models to describe the performance of steam turbines, condensing turbines, gas turbines and boilers. Target models account for the variation of efficiency with unit size, load and operating conditions in a simple, yet accurate way. As a result, these models are capable of accounting for the efficiency trends of realistic units.