Adding multi-objective optimisation capability to an electricity utility energy flow simulator

Date
2016-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The energy flow simulator (EFS) is a strategic decision support tool that was developed for the South African national electricity utility Eskom. The advanced set of algorithms incorporated into the EFS enables various departments within Eskom to simulate and analyse the Eskom value chain from primary energy to end-use over a certain study horizon. The research in this thesis is aimed at determining whether multi-objective optimisation (MOO) capability can be added to the EFS. The study forms part of a series of research projects. This project builds on the work of Hatton (2015) in which the focus was on single-objective optimisation capability for the EFS. Inventory management at Eskom's coal- red power stations was identified as the most suitable area for the formulation of an MOO model. It was also identified that certain modifications to the existing EFS architecture can possibly improve its potential as an optimisation tool. The architecture of the EFS is studied and modifications to it are proposed. A multi-objective inventory model is then formulated for Eskom's network of coal- red power stations using the simulation outputs of the EFS. The model is based on the movement of coal between the various power stations in an attempt to maintain an optimal inventory level at each station as far as possible. To solve the model, a suitable MOO algorithm is selected and integrated with the simulation component of the EFS. Several experiments are conducted to validate the MOO model and test the e effectiveness of the algorithm in solving the optimisation problem.
AFRIKAANSE ABSTRACT: Die energievloei-simulator (EVS) is 'n strategiese besluitondersteuningsinstrument wat ontwikkel is vir die Suid-Afrikaanse nasionale elektrisiteitsverskaffer, Eskom. Die gevorderde stel algoritmes waaruit die EVS bestaan stel verskeie departemente binne Eskom in staat om die Eskom-waardeketting te simuleer en te analiseer, vanaf prim^ere energie tot eindgebruik, oor 'n sekere studie tydperk. Die navorsing in hierdie tesis is daarop gemik om te bepaal of meerdoelige optimeringsvermo e tot die EVS bygevoeg kan word. Die studie vorm deel van 'n reeks navorsingsprojekte. Hierdie projek bou voort op die werk van Hatton (2015) waarin die fokus op enkeldoel-optimeringsvermo e vir die EVS was. Voorraadbestuur by Eskom se steenkoolaangedrewe kragstasies is geidentifiseer as die mees geskikte gebied vir die formulering van 'n meerdoelige optimeringsmodel. Daar is ook geidentifiseer dat sekere veranderinge aan die bestaande argitektuur van die EVS moontlik die model se potensiaal as 'n optimeringsinstrument kan verbeter. Die argitektuur van die EVS word bestudeer en veranderinge daaraan word voorgestel. 'n Meerdoelige voorraadbestuursmodel word daarna vir Eskom se netwerk van steenkoolaangedrewe kragstasies geformuleer deur die simulasie-uitsette van die EVS te gebruik. Die model is gebaseer op die beweging van steenkool tussen die verskillende kragstasies om 'n optimale voorraadvlak by elke stasie te probeer handhaaf. Om die model op te los word 'n geskikte meerdoelige optimeringsalgoritme gekies en met die EVS se simulasie komponent geintegreer. Verskeie eksperimente word uitgevoer om te bevestig dat die meerdoelige optimeringsmodel korrek is en om die doeltreffendheid van die algoritme as oplossingsmetode vir die probleem te toets.
Description
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2016.
Keywords
Mathematical optimization, UCTD, Electric power transmission -- Simulation methods, Electric power production, Production engineering -- Mathematical models
Citation