Abstract
This paper outlines the development of an integrated resource network that comprises an energy supply chain, a polygeneration hub for combined heat, power, and absorption refrigeration system, to meet demand for heating, cooling, and electricity generation. The method adopted involves a 3-layered superstructure where the first layer comprises a supply chain network of seasonal renewable and non-renewable energy sources which are connected to the second layer through transport modes such as rail, road, and pipeline. The second layer comprises the polygeneration hub which plays host to technologies such as a boiler for generating high pressure steam, turbines for generating power, and an absorption refrigeration system for water cooling. The third layer of the superstructure, which is connected to the second layer through pipelines and transmission cables, comprises the heat exchanger network of a process plant. The solution of the developed model, which is a mixed integer non-linear program, is evaluated using economics and environmental impact and is solved using the goal method of multi-objective optimisation. In the hypothetical case study investigated, the model showed a higher preference for renewable energy when environmental impact was considered as the only objective to be minimised, while coal was selected when economics was the only objective minimised and when both objectives were simultaneously minimised with an equal weighting. In addition, the cost minimisation scenario resulted in fewer heat exchangers being selected than in the environmental and multi-objective optimisation scenarios.
