With the accelerating demand for energy and the urgent response to climate change, researchers have turned to integrated energy systems (IES) as pivotal solutions for sustainable energy management. A recent study explores the optimal scheduling of multi-storage combined integrated energy systems, incorporating innovative energy supply grading strategies to improve operational efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The research, published on March 1, 2025, by N. Zhang, F. You, B. Hu, J. Liang, and G. Liu, introduces a structural framework for IES incorporating electric, thermal, and hydrogen storage systems. The paper addresses the flexibility challenges of traditional multi-energy coupling systems, urging the development of new architectures aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.
The need for such advancements is pressing. Traditional energy sources and their management are increasingly insufficient to meet demand, especially as the world shifts toward zero-carbon energy solutions. “This is the first step toward realizing the full potential of multi-energy systems,” wrote the authors of the article. They highlight the role of hierarchical control strategies to optimize energy distribution among various sources.
The innovative scheduling model established by the researchers leverages advanced algorithms, namely, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) combined with Multi-Objective Artificial Bee Colony (MOABC) methods. This model enables more flexible energy management through efficient prioritization of energy storage units based on energy cost, state, and response characteristics, which is necessary for meeting dynamic energy demands.
For their analysis, the researchers conducted simulation tests comparing various scenarios with and without hydrogen storage systems. The results indicated significant economic advantages; operational costs were reduced and carbon emissions costs diminished due to the effective integration of hydrogen as a flexible energy source. “Our findings suggest significant cost reductions can be achieved by upgrading existing systems with hydrogen storage,” the authors noted.
The results from their multi-scenario tests bolster the argument for adopting strategies incorporating hydrogen storage well beyond the shortcomings found with single-source energy management. Traditional systems struggle to accommodate the fluctuances of renewable sources like solar and wind, and integrating various storage forms allows for balancing excess energy production during peak times and drawing on reserves when production wanes.
The scheduling results reveal the complex interplay between different types of energy demands—electric, thermal, and cooling—and how the synergies between them can lead to more sustainable energy practices. For example, the peak energy demands for cooling or heating can be met without compromising the overall system efficiency because the graded supply strategies prioritize energy storage types based on real-time conditions and demands.
Strategies outlined successfully inform how energy objectives can be structured toward achieving environmental benchmarks, particularly targeting local consumption of renewable energy. "We see the hierarchical strategy leading to direct improvements not only economically but also environmentally," the analysis suggests.
To conclude, this research provides comprehensive insights and methodologies for advancing integrated energy systems. It argues strongly for the adoption of multi-storage solutions, particularly emphasizing hydrogen's role as both storage and energy management tool within the framework of IES. Future research should focus on integrating real-time load demand characteristics and exploring artificial intelligence applications for scheduling enhancements.