Collaborative optimal scheduling of coal mine integrated energy system based on ventilation air methane blending strategy and adjustable thermoelectric ratio

The inefficient use of ventilation air methane (VAM) and the excessive operating cost of this type of system pose challenges to the optimal scheduling of coal mine integrated energy systems (CMIESs). In this paper, a collaborative optimal scheduling method is proposed to address these challenges. First, a VAM blending strategy is proposed based on the variable conditions characteristics of a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The strategy enables the efficient use of VAM. Second, to improve the economic efficiency and flexibility of the system, a scheduling model is constructed for a CMIES with consideration of the adjustable thermoelectric ratio. On this basis, an optimal scheduling method with synergistic effects is developed. The VAM blending strategy reduces energy supply costs but requires additional thermal power output space, which can be provided by adjusting the thermoelectric ratio of the CHP unit. A real case for a coal mine is demonstrated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The result illustrates the fact that the proposed method reduces the operational cost of the CMIES and enhances the utilization efficiency of the VAM. • A scheduling strategy based on variable condition characteristics is proposed. • A scheduling model with an adjustable thermoelectric ratio is established. • A collaborative optimal scheduling method is developed.