Optimal coordination of large-scale multi-energy systems using distributed control architecture

This project will consider a new paradigm of energy supply networks that combine existing infrastructures of different energy carriers, such as electricity, gas and heat as well as large-scale energy storage systems and intermittent renewable energy sources. The key advantages of such new paradigm include optimisation of flexibility afforded by demand-side management, mitigation of renewable energy resources’ intermittency and increased energy supply reliability. The building blocks of such multi-energy systems are the so-called energy hubs, which represent units within which multiple energy carriers can be converted, conditioned and stored. Individual energy hubs could represent industrial plants, large building complexes or the entire sections of a particular urban area/city. In the proposed project optimal coordination of the multiple energy hubs will be considered. The key objective of such control approach will be to attain environmental and economic targets through dynamic inter-hub cooperation and, therefore, maximise the efficiency as well as improve reliability of the entire multi-energy system.