Carbon Flow Tracking and Optimal Scheduling of Distributed Integrated Energy Systems Embedding Biomass Combined Heat and Power

Distributed integrated energy systems embedding biomass combined heat and power (BCHP) have the potential to enhance energy supply reliability in rural areas and to support the low-carbon transformation. However, the sources and transmission paths of car-bon emissions remain difficult to quantify due to the multi-energy coupling and diverse conversion processes. To address these issues, this study develops a carbon flow tracking and scheduling strategy for BCHP-integrated distributed energy systems. First, a bio-chemical reaction process model for BCHP is established to enable a life cycle-based carbon emission accounting. Second, the flexible heat-to-power ratio characteristics of BCHP are considered to more accurately reflect multi-energy coupling under varying operating conditions. Third, a dual-objective optimal scheduling model is constructed by combining node carbon potential with operating costs, enabling the system to simultaneously minimize operating costs and carbon emissions. A case study of an integrated energy system in Anping County, Hebei Province, demonstrates that the proposed method reduces total carbon emissions by over 9.8%, increases renewable energy utilization by 15.2%, and lowers operating costs by 7.5%. The results reveal the carbon flow characteristics and emission reduction potential of rural distributed integrated energy systems embedding BCHP, providing methodological support and empirical evidence for refined low-carbon governance.