Optimum operation for a back-pressure cogeneration system under time-of-use rates

This paper proposes a Newton based algorithm which will decide the optimum load allocations of boilers and generators under the time-of-use rates subject to satisfying all the operation constraints. This scheme is capable of handling the nonlinear cost function and correlated constraints between the electric power and steam generation for the cogeneration system. The proposed scheme has been successfully applied to a real cogeneration plant, and results indicate that: (1) at least 2% energy saving can be achieved; (2) TOU rates play an important role in the operation strategy; and (3) it might be of help in choosing the cogeneration system.