An MILP (mixed integer linear programming) model for optimal design of district-scale distributed energy resource systems

This study focuses on the optimal design of district-scale DER (distributed energy resource) systems in which energy is produced outside energy-consuming buildings and sent to the buildings through the energy distribution networks. A MILP (mixed integer linear programming) model is constructed. The model can achieve simultaneous optimization of locations (i.e., site for energy generation), synthesis (i.e., type, capacity, and number of equipment as well as structure of the energy distribution networks), and operation strategies of the entire system. The model is built in consideration of discreteness of equipment capacities, equipment partial load operation and output bounds as well as the influence of ambient temperature on gas turbine performance. The objective function is the total annual cost for investing, maintaining, and operating the system. The model is applied to an urban area in Guangzhou (China), and its validity and effectiveness is verified. Results show that the adoption of the proposed DER system provides significant economic benefits in respect to the conventional energy system.