Abstract: An integrated energy system (IES) can effectively improve energy efficiency and solve problems such as environmental pollution. In this context, an optimal dispatch model of an IES considering flexible loads (FLs) and carbon trading is proposed. First, the carbon trading is introduced into the dispatch model, taking into account the carbon emissions of the entire energy supply chain, and an excessive emission penalty mechanism is established to further promote energy conservation and emission reduction. Next, FLs are divided into three categories, i.e., curtailable, transferable and shiftable ones, which are respectively modeled in detail. On this basis, electric network constraints, natural gas network constraints, together with internal constraints of energy hubs (EHs) are integrated into the low-carbon economic dispatch model with an objective of minimizing the operation costs including the carbon trading cost, FLs dispatching cost and system energy cost. Finally, a sample system is employed to demonstrate the proposed model, together with detailed analysis about the impacts of the penalty price on the carbon emission of the system and the effects of FLs on the accommodation of wind power, and energy conservation and emission reduction are examined as well.

Key words: integrated energy system, energy hub, carbon trading, flexible load, wind power accommodation