Two-stage stochastic programming for multi-objective optimization of sustainable utility systems integrating with combined heat and power units

Utility systems provide thermal energy and power for industrial processes while emitting significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This study investigates the integration of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units and renewable energy sources into utility systems in the context of diverse energy demands and low-carbon operations. A two-stage stochastic programming model (TSSP) is proposed for sustainable utility systems. The main objective of the model is to minimize the annual total cost and the other two objectives are to maximize renewable energy penetration rate and minimize grid net interaction level. The model tackles renewable energy sources’ uncertainty and evaluates environmental metrics by computing carbon emission costs. In TSSP, the first stage involves new equipment capacity planning. The second stage involves considering uncertainties related to wind speed and solar radiation. Monte Carlo simulations and probability density functions were used to generate a variety of scenarios for the optimization of operational scheduling decisions. Finally, a case study was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Compared to traditional deterministic optimization in utility systems, the two-stage stochastic programming of sustainable utility systems can reduce carbon emissions by 5.6 percent annually and overall costs by 8,907,733 CNY. It provides decision-makers with a range of reference options by balancing multiple objectives, including economic factors, renewable energy penetration rate, and grid interaction level.