An Energy Resource Allocation Model for the University of Central Florida Central Energy Plant

The demand for energy increases every year, and it is important that we ensure that the energy consumed is used efficiently. This study examines a system which provides energy in multiple forms from multiple energy sources using multiple energy conversion equipment. Such a system is termed a Central Energy Plan (CEP). A linear programming model was formulated to provide a close approximation of a CEP operation. It was used to determine the optimal operating configuration, that is, which equipment should be on or off at a particular time of the day to minimize the operating cost of the plant while at the same time meeting output requirements. The CEP model was validated by using actual data provided by the physical plant personnel at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The feasibility of installation of a steam turbine driven electrical generator to improve the performance of the CEP was investigated as a test vehicle to prove the practicality of the model