Optimal planning of energy hubs in interconnected energy systems: a case study for natural gas and electricity

In an energy hub, each energy carrier can be converted to other forms of energy to meet electricity, heating and cooling power demand in an optimal manner. In this study, a framework is presented to optimally design and size interconnected energy hubs. It considers physical constraints on natural gas and electricity networks and environmental issues. The proposed design methodology decides on which components should be allocated to each hub and in what capacity. It includes combined heat and power, boiler, absorption chiller, compression chiller, electricity storage (Li-ion battery) and heat storage. The model also considers incentive policies to install distributed generation thus reducing emissions. Furthermore, it takes energy supply reliability based on availability of components into account. This model can help with conducting studies related to planning future energy systems with interconnected energy hubs. The proposed model has been simulated on an interconnected test system, which represents a municipal district with three energy hubs.