Relative optimization potential: A novel perspective to address trade-off challenges in urban energy system planning

Jian Lin, Xiaoyi Zhong, Jing Wang, Yuan Huang, Xuetao Bai, Xiaonan Wang, Nilay Shah, Shan Xie and Yingru Zhao

Applied Energy, 2021, vol. 304, issue C, No S0306261921010874

Abstract: Urban energy systems often contain multiple optimization sub-objectives with different dimensions. They often need to be normalized in many multi-objective optimization problems. This process may result in the loss of trade-off characteristics of each sub-objectives. This paper introduces a novel indicator, relative optimization potential, to quantify the difference in sensitivity of sub-objectives to the trade-off process, which is easily ignored in previous studies. An integrated multi-objective optimization framework for urban energy systems with flexible decision-making approaches is further proposed to match the differentiated requirements of various scenarios. This framework includes a partial a posterior approach to tackle high-dimensional multi-objective optimization problems, which reduces the computational cost while obtaining equivalent or better results through a reasonable simplification of the decision process. Moreover, a results evaluation method consistent with the perspective of decision-making is proposed to improve the interpretability and consistency of the entire trade-off process. The case studies illustrate the preference characteristics of the proposed approach under different scenarios. And its feasibility is verified by the cross-sectoral planning problem of integrated energy system and building retrofit in different urban areas and scenarios. The proposed approach favors different sub-objectives under different building environments, demand profiles and grid-connection conditions while seeking the maximization of overall relative benefits. Overall, the proposed approach can be applied flexibly in various optimization scenarios to rationally trade-off multi-objective according to different optimization conditions without causing a significant increase in computational cost. This study provides a new tool for multi-objective optimization of urban energy systems with different perspectives.

Keywords: Urban energy system; Integrated planning; Multi-objective optimization; Relative optimization potential; Partial a posterior decision-making; Trade-off evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117741

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