Optimization and scheduling of combined heat and power system considering wind power uncertainty and demand response

Purpose This study aims to propose a comprehensive optimization and scheduling method for the combined heat and power (CHP) systems that takes into account the uncertainties of wind power and demand response. Design/methodology/approach The uncertainty of wind power and the “thermal-electric coupling” characteristics of CHP units have led to an increasing issue of wind power curtailment in CHP systems. With the objective of minimizing the overall scheduling cost of the CHP system, this paper considers the characteristics of interactive loads and wind power uncertainty, and establishes a coordinated optimization scheduling model for the generation-load-storage of the system, based on the inclusion of thermal energy storage devices. Findings During the optimization scheduling process, the proposed method in this paper reduces the scheduling cost by ¥99,900 (approximately 36.3%) compared to traditional methods, and significantly decreases the wind power curtailment rate by 53.7%. These results clearly demonstrate the significant advantages of the proposed method in enhancing the economic efficiency of the system and improving wind power integration. Research limitations/implications However, the planning process did not take into account the impact of unit combinations and grid structures. Practical implications This study proposes a comprehensive optimization and scheduling method for the CHP systems that takes into account the uncertainties of wind power and demand response. The objective function is to minimize the wind curtailment rate’s total scheduling cost, considering the impact of wind power uncertainties and demand response. A coordinated optimization and scheduling model for the generation-load-storage of CHP system is established. Social implications CHP units achieve the coupling of electric and thermal energy, significantly improving energy efficiency. In this study, the planning of the CHP system considers the coupling relationships among multiple energy sources, various devices and the pricing optimization spaces of electric and thermal forms of generation, storage and load-side. This approach has achieved favorable results in terms of economic operation scheduling and wind power accommodation improvement. Originality/value The case method is used to handle the uncertainty of wind power output on the generation side. Demand response is integrated on the load side to adjust user load curves. On the storage side, the thermal-electric coupling constraints of the CHP units are decoupled using thermal energy storage devices, while considering the economic benefits of all three parties involved: the power source, the load and the energy storage.