Robust multi-objective optimization for sustainable design of distributed energy supply systems

Sustainable design of distributed energy supply systems involves multiple aims. Therefore, multi objective optimization is the appropriate concept for sustainable design. However, input parameters are in general uncertain. If uncertainties are disregarded in the optimization, solutions usually become infeasible in practice. To incorporate uncertain parameters, we apply the concept of minmax robust multi objective optimization for designing sustainable energy supply systems. We propose a mixed-integer linear problem formulation. The proposed formulation allows to identify robust sustainable designs easily guaranteeing security of energy supply. Energy systems are shown to typically exhibit objective-wise uncertainties. Thus, a Pareto front can still be derived. In a real-world case study, robust designs are identified with a good trade-off between economic and ecologic criteria. The robust designs perform remarkably well in the nominal scenario. The presented problem formulation transfers the important theoretical concept of minmax robust multi-objective optimization into engineering practice for the design of sustainable energy systems. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.