Optimal Operation Scheme for a Cogeneration System Promoted from an Emergency Standby System Combined with Absorption Chiller

A novel optimal operation scheme for a cogeneration system that is promoted from an emergency standby system combined with absorption chiller is introduced. The fuel cost, Time-of-use (TOU) tariff and various operational constrains are taken into account when evaluating the electricity cost and peak demand reductions. Based on a two-stage methodology and a modified mixed-integer programming technique, a novel algorithm is developed to solve the nonlinear optimization problem. A hotel is selected as a sample to demonstrate the correctness of the proposed algorithm. A 100kW gas engine standby generator is promoted to a sample cogenerator system by adding a 50RT absorption chiller and other necessary accessories. Optimal operation scheme, operation benefits and payback period on investment of this sample cogenerator system are analyzed. The simulation results indicate that promoting an emergency standby generator to a cogenerator system is profitable and should be encouraged.