No abstract

Combined harnessing of electrical and thermal energies could leverage their complementary nature, inspiring the integration of power grids and centralized heating systems in future smart cities. This paper considers interconnected power distribution network (PDN) and district heating network (DHN) infrastructures through combined heat and power units and heat pumps. In the envisioned market framework, the DHN operator solves an optimal thermal flow problem given the nodal electricity prices and determines the best heat production strategy. Variate coefficients of performance of heat pumps with respect to different load levels are considered and modeled in a disciplined convex optimization format. A two-step hydraulic-thermal decomposition method is suggested to approximately solve the optimal thermal flow problem via a second-order cone program. Simultaneously, the PDN operator clears the distribution power market via an optimal power flow problem given the demands from the DHN. Electricity prices are revealed by dual variables at the optimal solution. The whole problem gives rise to a Nash-type game between the two systems. A best-response decentralized algorithm is proposed to identify the optimal operation schedule of the coupled infrastructure, which interprets a market equilibrium as neither system has an incentive to alter their strategies. Numeric results demonstrate the potential benefits of the proposed framework in terms of reducing wind curtailment and system operation cost.

No abstract

No abstract

Prosumer-based heat networks are a new concept in district heating systems that uses the ability of prosumers to operate as either producers or consumers. This type of networks allows for utilizing distributed heat generation and renewable energy sources. A broad range of individual operating modes, heat generation technologies, and topologies determine complex thermo-hydraulic behavior of such networks. Simulations help gain insights into their properties. In this paper, a Modelica library ProsNet is presented for such simulations. It is designed to set up models of prosumer-based heat networks to investigate their dynamic and steady-state performance in a user-friendly way. Important models of the library are described in more detail. Finally, a successful validation of the developed components was performed by comparing simulation results with another software for modeling bidirectional heat networks in steady-state.