In a significant step towards achieving the "Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality" goals, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, in collaboration with Hohai University, have developed a groundbreaking dual-layer optimization strategy for park-level integrated energy systems (PIES). This strategy, which integrates electricity and heat demand response, significantly boosts the economic efficiency and low-carbon operation of energy stations.

The transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power has been accelerated by the global push for carbon neutrality. However, the inherent unpredictability and variability of these energy sources present challenges for the stable operation of integrated energy systems. The traditional vertically integrated market trading structure has been inadequate in addressing the complex interactions and collaborative relationships between energy stations and users, leading to suboptimal economic and environmental outcomes.

The research team introduced a novel dual-layer optimization framework that involves energy stations and users in a collaborative decision-making process. The upper layer, representing energy stations, determines the selling prices of electricity and heat, output plans for energy supply equipment, and the operational status of battery energy storage. The lower layer, consisting of users, adjusts their electricity and heat demand through demand response. A combination of differential evolution and quadratic programming (DE-QP) was employed to solve the interactive strategies between energy stations and users.

Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed strategy effectively increases the revenue of energy stations by 5.09% and the consumer surplus of users by 2.46% compared to traditional structures. The introduction of biogas as a renewable fuel source in energy stations reduced reliance on non-renewable natural gas, enhancing the stability of natural gas supply and electricity production. The stepped carbon trading strategy further incentivized participants to reduce carbon emissions, leading to a 5.23% reduction in carbon trading costs and a 2.54% decrease in carbon emissions.

This study addresses the critical need for more efficient and sustainable energy systems. By transforming the traditional vertical integrated interaction mode into a thermal-electric collaborative interaction mode, the research enables more flexible adaptation to user energy demands and encourages users to change their energy consumption behavior. The dual-layer optimization strategy not only improves the economic performance of energy stations but also promotes environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0958-0