Multi-Objective Optimization Design for Nuclear-Coupled Distributed Multi-Energy System in Alpine Region

Abstract The alpine regions are characterized by its remote location, cold climate and limited conventional energy, which presents considerable challenges in ensuring reliable electricity and heating supply. To this end, a nuclear-coupled distributed multi-energy system (N-DMES) is proposed. To attain the optimal configuration and operation of N-DMES, a multi-objective optimization model is developed with net present cost, shortage of electricity and renewable energy power generation as objective functions. Meanwhile, the improved multi-objective grasshopper optimization algorithm is utilized for the model solving. Besides, this system is compared with a diesel-coupled distributed multi-energy system (D-DMES). This paper takes a market town in an alpine region as a case study to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed N-DMES. Simulation results indicate that the designed N-DMES can satisfy the users’ electricity demands. N-DMES exhibits slightly lower economic performance and renewable energy consumption compared to D-DMES. However, N-DMES surpasses D-DMES in terms of environmental friendliness and reliability. The minimum load factor of MMR and renewable energy capacity have a certain impact on the system performance.