Optimal coordination of flexible resources in the gas-heat-electricity integrated energy system

To deal with the high penetration of renewable energy, modern energy systems strive to introduce flexible resources to provide more flexible and higher quality services. This paper focuses on the coordination of flexible resources across different energy carriers under the market environment to accommodate different levels of wind power. The integration of gas, heat and electricity systems providing customers with multiple options for satisfying their energy demands is described. Considering that energy system operators are independent or have limited communication based on the existing market mechanism, an equilibrium problem is first formulated for the optimal scheduling strategy, where each subsystem operator pursues its own benefit. Since there is energy conversion between different energy subsystems, each subsystem operator has to consider the actions of other operators and coordinate with each other until an equilibrium. An illustrative case study is then analyzed to show that the proposed model allows each subsystem operator to make an optimal action for maximizing its profit, and reflects prices and volumes of the energy transaction among energy subsystems. Furthermore, the simulation results indicate that the coordination of flexible resources has significant benefits in the integrated energy system to reduce wind curtailment and improve total social welfare. •An integrated energy system with multiple flexible resources was described.•An equilibrium model for energy distribution and energy trading was proposed.•The effect of different wind power levels on subsystem operators was discussed.•The positive impact of DR on system operation and market behaviors was explored.