A robust optimization approach to energy hub management

In this paper a robust optimization problem of an energy hub operations is presented. An energy hub is a multi-generation system where multiple energy carriers input to the hub are converted, stored and distributed in order to satisfy energy demands. The solution to energy hub operation problem determines the energy carriers to be purchased and stored in order to satisfy energy requests while minimizing a cost function. A control approach using Robust Optimization (RO) techniques is proposed; specifically the energy carriers input to the hub, their distribution among converters and their storage are determined in order to satisfy the energy hub output time-varying requests while minimizing the energy expenses. Bounded uncertainties on energy hub parameters are taken into account and RO methods are exploited to gain robust solutions which are feasible for all values, or for a selected subset, of uncertain data. Simulation results underline the benefits resulting from the application of the proposed approach to an energy hub structure designed in Waterloo, Canada. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.