An optimal sizing method for cogeneration plants

An optimal planning method is proposed of the sizing problem for cogeneration system. Based on mathematical programming theory, equipment capacities are determined optimally so as to minimize the annual total cost in consideration of the plants’ annual operational strategy. The sizing problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem with the constraints of energy demands, equipment performance characteristics and the energy relationships of the whole system. A numerical example about a gas turbine cogeneration plant in shanghai is given to ascertain the effectiveness of the proposed method.