Energy optimization model for a CCHP system with available gas turbines

This paper deals with the problem of optimal energy management of cogeneration system for combined cooling, heating and power production (CCHP). The energy system consists of a gas turbine, an absorption chiller and a heat recovery boiler. A simple linear programming model is presented to determine the optimal strategies that minimize the overall cost of energy for the CCHP system. It is shown that the optimal operation of this system is dependent upon load conditions to be satisfied. In view of energy cost, it is shown that sometimes it may not be optimal to operate the turbine. This is the case when the electric-to-gas cost ratio is very low. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.