Maximizing exergy efficiency in multi-carrier energy systems

In this paper a model for maximizing exergy efficiency in multi-carrier energy systems is introduced. Based on modeling concepts developed in the project “Vision of Future Energy Network”, e.g. the Energy Hub concept, exergy is modeled in the context of energy systems that involve multiple energy carriers such as electricity, natural gas and heat. In the context of this integrated consideration of multiple energy carriers, the exergy approach allows to take into account the quality of different energy carriers. Hence this modeling approach provides the possibility to identify from a system perspective how the available energy content of different energy carriers can be exploited as efficiently as possible to satisfy a given demand for final energy carriers. In order to illustrate the proposed exergy analysis method, we compare it with a previously developed cost optimization and apply both methods to an example system consisting of an electricity and natural gas system interconnected by Energy Hubs.