Energy hubs' structural and operational linear optimization with energy storage elements

Simply stated, energy hub is a unit which receives different energy carriers such as electricity, natural gas and heat in its input and after some energy converting or storing, delivers the required energy in its output. Considering unique features of energy hubs, these units are of a great concern in many European industrial countries recently in order to supply their energy loads economically. In this case, selecting and commitment of different possible units inside the hub structure and also quality of their operation are one of the most significant problems. In this paper, a completely linear method for simultaneous structural and operational optimization of energy hubs is proposed for multi period given loads and energy costs. Finally the proposed method is used for structural and operational optimization of a hub in order to supply a 24-hour energy load. Obtained results confirm the optimality of using energy hub and proposed method for supplying required loads especially in presence of energy storage elements.