Development of novel optimal operating maps for combined cooling, heating, and power systems

Following Thermal Load (FTL)/Following Electricity Load (FEL) strategy plays a critical role in combined cooling, heating, and power systems (CCHPs) to balance multi-energy supply and load, develop advanced optimal strategy, and optimizing system design and configuration. However, this study found that the conventional FEL/FTL is misemployed as the optimal operating foundation by overlooking the thermal energy wastage during the power generation process. Additionally, this study highlights that current operating schemes relying on FEL/FTL may result in substantial global energy waste due to the disregard for factors such as power generation type, power grid efficiency, optimal cooling supply scheme, and correct operating boundary. In this study, mathematical deduction and case study are performed to demonstrate that the conventional deployment of FEL/FTL is misapplied as optimal solutions. Further, an accurate and comprehensive methodology to derive optimal operating guidelines for diverse CCHP configurations is proposed. The optimal operating maps are derived by comparing primary fuel consumptions under FEL, FTL, and power grid supply schemes. Optimal cooling supply schemes are derived to determine the overall optimal operating strategy. The key findings indicate that the proposed methods for supplying electricity, cooling, and heating offer significant advantages over conventional approaches. Further, the case studies emphasize the potential for primary energy savings of up to 26.6% in hybrid CCHPs. The proposed methodologies serve as valuable references for revising existing research results and pave the way to develop optimal operating solutions for interactive CCHPs.