Advanced Non-Linear Control for Multi Energy Systems (MES) — A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Multi-energy systems (MES), can effectively support modern power systems operation, due to the intrinsic interdependency among several energy carriers. The scale to which such interaction occurs is typically urban and regional and includes heating, cooling, electricity and gas networks. Development of models and operational tools for MES calls for the definition of challenging strategies due to the complexity associated with diverse MES components. From the methodological point of view, with reference to controls, mostly predictive and optimal control methods are proposed, these being numerical procedures manipulating the data sets for energy flow across the MES. There is a lack of benchmark studies about a unified control system for MES generation. This article aims to give a conceptual modelling of a unified control system for a MES composed of a Gas Turbine System (GTS), a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell System (PEMFCS), a Wind Turbine System (WTS) and Photo Voltaic Battery System (PVBS) lumped together for electric energy generation. For the proposed MES, all the components are highly non-linear in nature, therefore, advanced non-linear control strategies are suitable for maximum energy extraction and reliable operation.