Optimal operation of smart multi-energy hub systems incorporating energy hub coordination and demand response strategy

This paper presents the operation and optimisation of a smart multi-energy hub system network using the energy hub concept. The case study system network includes integrated solar photovoltaic and thermal power generation units and natural gas combined heat and power unit systems. A demand response-dynamic economic emission optimisation model is applied in the case study and allows for a comparison of energy hub control strategies including the evaluation of economic and environmental criteria and power import between energy hubs. The results show a significant reduction of more than 50% in both the total generation cost and amount of emission when different energy hub control strategies are employed. The results also show that load shifting capabilities of different energy hub loads cannot be ignored as they reduce the electricity bill of energy hub customers.