Multi-objective optimization of integrated energy systems based on demand response

The implementation of demand response (DR) in the operation optimization of the integrated energy system has become one of the research hotspots worldwide with the rapid development of the energy network. Integrated gas-electricity system (IGES) operators can allocate different energy carriers more rationally and decrease energy cost and exergy input considering the DR scheme. However, DR was mainly applied to electric power systems in the past, while natural gas systems were less considered. In this paper, based on the theory of price-elasticity, and simultaneously with the consideration of the DR for end-user (EDU) of electricity and natural gas, the optimization model of the IGES is established, which includes two objective functions, the minimum operating cost of the integrated system and the maximum EDU satisfaction. The constraints include compressors and gas storages in the natural gas system, coal and gas generator units in the electric power system, Pow to gas units, and EDU gas/electric load changes. Subsequently, the proposed model is employed for an integrated 7-node natural gas system and 6-node power system with the sensitivity analysis for operating cost. The results demonstrate that the implementation of DR brings specific economic benefits to the operation of the entire system, the total operating cost is reduced by 16.6%, and the natural gas load is reduced by 89.9%. The implementation of DR balances the 24-hour load, reduces the fluctuation of the EDU load, increases the efficiency of the load shifting, and alleviates the instability of upstream production and transportation.