Integrated optimization of energy supply systems in horticulture using genetic algorithms

Although simulation models are most suitable to examine real world systems, they would not be used enough for optimization programs. Genetic algorithms are now offering a good way to integrate simulation models in optimization tools. The search for optimized energy supply systems in horticulture serves as an example for this assumption: The design tools HORTSI and HORTOS were developed to support the efforts for a resource and environmentally friendly energy supply in horticulture. The simulation tool HORTSI integrates the simulation of selected energy supply systems whereby total costs, primary energy demands and carbon dioxide emissions are calculated. HORTSI covers the heat and power demand that is calculated by the tool HORTEX (T. Rath, 1992. Dissertation, Universitat Hannover). The optimization tool HORTOS is based on HORTSI: the aim is to cover the heat, power and carbon dioxide demands with optimized supply systems. The designer can optimize the energy supply system for a given horticultural enterprise by hand or can automatically generate optimal solutions with the available optimization tool, where a genetic algorithm achieves and offers several optimal solutions. The tool optimizes the system as a whole, thereby taking into account interrelations between the supply components. All the tools are embedded in an integrated planning system called HORTEV, which runs under Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.