A modelling framework for energy system planning: Application to CHP plants participating in the electricity market

This article presents a general modelling framework dedicated to the short-term planning of energy systems, which supports the fast prototyping of optimization models. Due to the need for its applicability to practical problem instances, the methodology is based on a generic Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation. In addition, a specific graphical formalism called Extended Resource Task Network (ERTN) is proposed for the configuration step, which enables the modelling of any type of system and the automatic instantiation of the optimization models. The value of implementing such a tool is demonstrated through the modelling, operational planning and performance evaluation of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant that participates in the French Day-ahead electricity market. Indeed, while real-time control of utility plants plays an important role in ensuring the balance between production and needs, forecasting and planning these production systems is becoming increasingly necessary to make them more energy and economically efficient. The case study shows, on the one hand the potentialities of the modelling approach through the ability to achieve rapid development and implementation of complex systems, and on the other hand significant opportunities to improve the site's economic profitability as well as its environmental impact. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.