Work

Operational Optimization of Combined Heat and Power Units Participating in Electricity and Heat Markets

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the background of electricity market reform, combined heat and power (CHP) units must balance electricity market revenues with reliable heat supply. However, the flexibility of CHP units to confront various features of renewable outputs remains to be explored more thoroughly. In this study, day-ahead electricity price curves are classified into four typical categories adopting k-means clustering, featured by diverse temporal trends associated with the output of renewables. An integrated model—capturing the CHP, the battery energy storage system (BESS), and heating network dynamics—supports day-ahead operational optimization. The results suggest that distinct operational strategies are to be implemented under different price profiles. Moreover, incorporating a BESS and exploiting thermal inertia of the network expands arbitrage opportunities and profit from the electricity market. Lastly, an alternation in the operational goal of CHP units is proposed, namely, from thermal-economy-guided to comprehensive-economy-oriented. Comparative results underscore the benefits of the revised strategies.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr14020210

Authors: Yutong Sha, Zhilong He, Shengwen Wang, Zheng Li, Pei Liu

Institutions: State Key Laboratory of Power System Operation and Control, Tsinghua University, China Datang Corporation (China)

Language: English

Topic: Integrated Energy Systems Optimization

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896