A computational model for multi-objective optimization of zero emission power plants

Xinxin Li

Choosing among technologies is difficult and requires a means of making comparisons across different technologies. This dissertation proposes a new methodology to make comparisons across different technologies and across different times based on a user supplied set of evaluation criteria. A simple model is developed to evaluate different technologies and to identify optimal technologies and technology pathways based on a user supplied set of evaluation criteria which allow ranking of different plants, and technology pathways, which represent different time sequences of introducing new power plant designs. This model is applied to a simple set of choices for power plant designs that invovle eight basic operation modules and a total of 96 possible power plant designs, of which 18 are physically feasible. The model also considers five unique pathways of transition over time from one type...