OptiFlow: A Flexible Network Flow Model for Energy Systems Analysis and Beyond (supporting data)

This Zenodo repository supports the article:"OptiFlow: A Flexible Network Flow Modelling Framework for Energy Systems Analysis and Beyond." It contains the OptiFlow model and data for the two scenarios discussed in the case study. 

Abstract

With a global move towards more renewable energy sources in the energy system and increased sector-coupling, a good spatiotemporal resolution and representation of related transport networks becomes increasingly important. Existing energy system models are, however, often built for specific purposes with limited flexibility for modification. Modelling future energy systems calls for flexible and adaptable tools that can represent the complexity of integrated energy systems.

We introduce the OptiFlow framework, which is a bottom-up, open-source optimisation model based on network graphic theory. OptiFlow can represent linear movements of flows across processes and across spatial and temporal dimensions, such as processes for transport or inter-temporal storage or processes with time delay. The framework can represent network topologies, including energy carriers or feedstocks related to the energy system. OptiFlow can be used as stand-alone or it can be soft- or hard-linked to established energy system models such as Balmorel. OptiFlow has been applied to a wide range of use cases, including waste management, biomass utilisation, renewable fuel production, Power-to-X, and cascading hydropower, including interactions with the surrounding energy system.

This paper presents an overview of the OptiFlow framework, focusing on network design, spatiotemporal dimensions, and integration with other energy system models. Furthermore, we present a simple case study where OptiFlow is hard-linked with Balmorel to optimise the production of renewable maritime fuels. With OptiFlow, we seek to reduce the future need for purpose-built model development with a flexible framework for modelling any process or set of processes interacting with the energy sectors. 

Balmorel-OptiFlow

For more information, and accesing the latest model development visit the Github of the Balmorel community (https://github.com/balmorelcommunity).