Configuration and Operation Optimization for Industrial Steam Power System Sustainable Retrofit Considering Renewable Energy Integration

AbstractRenewable energy integration and operational optimization are crucial in energy sustainability and decarbonization, especially for industrial steam power systems (SPS). This study establishes an SPS superstructure that integrates wind, solar, and biomass energy. A mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed to determine an optimal retrofit strategy that minimizes the life cycle cost, which includes carbon emission cost and energy cost. To solve this high‐dimensional complex optimization problem, a multistage strategy fusion differential evolution algorithm with dynamic partitioning of the SVM feasible domain (SVM‐MS‐DE) is developed. The results from the optimal strategy demonstrate a 9.02% reduction in the system's total cost and a 9.64% decrease in carbon emission through the incorporation of wind and solar energy. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis on biomass ratio, carbon emission price, energy demand, and carbon emission limits reveal that the region can contribute significantly to renewable energy initiatives. Several recommended policies are provided to encourage enterprises to move towards sustainable development.