A methodology for improving large scale thermal energy systems

This paper presents a new methodology for improving large scale thermal energy systems. A major problem when analysing large scale thermal energy systems is the complexity of the system. If a simplified mathematical model of the system is made, it can be combined with mathematical models of how modifications influences the system. By using these models it is possible to considerably reduce the size of the mathematical programming model. This means that larger and more complex systems can be optimised. This is the idea behind the new methodology developed in this work. By combining simulation and experimental design it is possible to obtain a simple but sufficiently accurate model of a thermal energy system. The obtained model can then be used to evaluate improvements to the system usingmathematical programming. 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.