Nonlinear operational optimization of an industrial power-to-heat system with a high temperature heat pump, a thermal energy storage and wind energy

The heat demand for industrial processes is often provided in the form of steam generated by various fossil fueled equipment. In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the heat demand has to be covered by renewable energy sources. Electrified steam generation relies on complex energy systems, that can be operated according to energy availability and cost developments. However, such a multi component industrial energy system poses a challenge in modeling and determining the cost- or emission-optimal operation of the system. This study develops a methodology to model a multi component industrial energy system on the basis of a case study. By optimal system operation, either costs or emissions are minimized in response to fluctuating renewable wind energy and electricity prices. A high temperature heat pump (HTHP), a sensible thermal energy storage (TES) and a wind turbine are combined to create an electrified energy system to supply super-heated steam. During periods of low wind speed, additional grid electricity is purchased to ensure a steady heat supply. The HTHP offers a high operational flexibility and thus, enables the charging and discharging of the TES. A model of the closed reverse Brayton cycle HTHP, which is able to simulate part load behavior, is created in a process simulation software and consolidated in nonlinear surrogate models. The component behavior of a TES is represented by a combination of equations based on heat exchanger relations. Finally, the resulting algebraic nonconvex, nonlinear optimization problem based on the proposed system is solved using the local interior point optimizer (IPOPT) solver equipped with a multi-start approach to determine an optimal operation over a reference week with respect to the current wind power generation, grid emissions and electricity prices. The results of the optimization show, that optimal operating strategies enable a high potential to decarbonize future industries at minimum operational costs or emissions.