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Feasible Actuator Range Modifier (FARM), a Tool Aiding the Solution of Unit Dispatch Problems for Advanced Energy Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Haoyu Wang

    (Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA)

  • Roberto Ponciroli

    (Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA)

  • Andrea Alfonsi

    (Nucube Energy, Inc., Pasadena, CA 91103, USA)

  • Paul W. Talbot

    (Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, USA)

  • Thomas W. Elmer

    (Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA)

  • Aaron S. Epiney

    (Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, USA)

  • Richard B. Vilim

    (Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL 60439, USA)

Abstract

Integrated energy systems (IESs) seek to minimize power generating costs in future power grids through the coupling of different energy technologies. To accommodate fluctuations in load demand due to the penetration of renewable energy sources, flexible operation capabilities must be fully exploited, and even power plants that are traditionally considered as base-load units need to be operated according to unconventional paradigms. Thermomechanical loads induced by frequent power adjustments can accelerate the wear and tear. If a unit is flexibly operated without respecting limits on materials, the risk of failures of expensive components will eventually increase, nullifying the additional profits ensured by flexible operation. In addition to the bounds on power variations (explicit constraints),the solution of the unit dispatch problem needs to meet the limits on the variation of key process variables, including temperature, pressure and flow rate (implicit constraints).The FARM (Feasible Actuator Range Modifier) module was developed to enable existing optimization algorithms to identify solutions to the unit dispatch problem that are both economically favorable and technologically sustainable. Thanks to the iterative dispatcher–validator scheme, FARM permits addressing all the imposed constraints without excessively increasing the computational costs. In this work, the algorithms constituting the module are described, and the performance was assessed by solving the unit dispatch problem for an IES composed of three units, i.e., balance of plant, gas turbine, and high-temperature steam electrolysis. Finally, the FARM module provides dedicated tools for visualizing the response of the constrained variables of interest during operational transients and a tool aiding the operator at making decisions. These techniques might represent the first step towards the deployment of an ecological interface design (EID) for IES units.

Suggested Citation

  • Haoyu Wang & Roberto Ponciroli & Andrea Alfonsi & Paul W. Talbot & Thomas W. Elmer & Aaron S. Epiney & Richard B. Vilim, 2024. "Feasible Actuator Range Modifier (FARM), a Tool Aiding the Solution of Unit Dispatch Problems for Advanced Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-36, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:12:p:2945-:d:1415234
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feng, Zhong-kai & Niu, Wen-jing & Wang, Wen-chuan & Zhou, Jian-zhong & Cheng, Chun-tian, 2019. "A mixed integer linear programming model for unit commitment of thermal plants with peak shaving operation aspect in regional power grid lack of flexible hydropower energy," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 618-629.
    2. Kim, Jong Suk & Boardman, Richard D. & Bragg-Sitton, Shannon M., 2018. "Dynamic performance analysis of a high-temperature steam electrolysis plant integrated within nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 228(C), pages 2090-2110.
    3. Epiney, A. & Rabiti, C. & Talbot, P. & Alfonsi, A., 2020. "Economic analysis of a nuclear hybrid energy system in a stochastic environment including wind turbines in an electricity grid," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
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