A novel configuration optimization approach for IES considering exergy-degradation and non-energy costs of equipment

Improving the exergy utilization and economic performance is the core goal for the configuration optimization of the integrated energy system (IES). Achieving such a goal requires accurate evaluation of the exergy efficiency and economy. However, IES is a multisource heterogeneous and strongly coupled system. The development of reasonable exergy efficiency-economy characteristic evaluation indicators is a complex issue that limits its application in IES configuration. This article proposes a novel IES configuration optimization approach based on the concept of the equipment exergyeconomic cost coefficient. The exergyeconomic cost coefficient consists of the exergy-degradation and non-energy costs, which can quantitatively characterize the exergy efficiency and economy of the IES under a unified benchmark. A mechanism model for the equipment exergyeconomic cost coefficient, output of various equipment and total exergyeconomic cost is established. Furthermore, exergy flow attribute classification method is proposed to obtain the equipment exergyeconomic cost coefficient in the IES. The proposed method is verified in a real-world study case located in Yancheng, China. Compared to the conventional configuration method, the capacity of the renewable energy and combined heat and power generation (CHP) are enhanced, while the capacity of purchased electricity and electric boiler (EB) are reduced. It can obtain the minimum total exergyeconomic cost (TEC) for the IES. This study offers a new direction for the optimal configuration of IES.