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In the contemporary landscape, roughly one-fourth of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions stem from industrial energy usage. In the industrial sector, improving the efficient and flexible coupling among different energy demands (electricity, heating, and cooling) and exploiting the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and waste heat can lead to a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions, which are also the goals of the EU founded Horizon Europe FLEXIndustries project. This study aims to establish a cost-optimized decarbonization strategy for an energy-intensive industry, focusing on an Italian pharmaceutical company. It delves into the exploration of potential pathways and diverse energy mix configurations. The approach undertaken involves coupling a customized energy system simulation framework, specifically designed for the industrial site, with a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm (MOEA). The study, conducted with a focus on the year 2024, involves a comparative analysis of three distinct scenarios. Within the intricate and challenging constraints of the industrial demo site, 13 technologies are investigated. The outcomes of each scenario reveal a set of Pareto optimal solutions, which are thoroughly analyzed to discern the evolution of the energy mix along the Pareto front. These results shed light on the compelling potential of hybrid solutions, showcasing the feasibility of achieving substantial decarbonization with only moderate increases in costs. The availability of land for RES technologies, along with the existence of a biomass supply chain in the region, emerge as pivotal determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy Systems Integration (ESI) involves coordinating and planning energy systems to provide reliable and affordable energy services while minimizing environmental harm. It optimizes interactions among different energy sources to achieve sustainability goals and promotes efficient resource usage. However, evaluating and benchmarking ESI frameworks to select the most suitable and transparent ones is a complex Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problem. This complexity arises from trade-offs, conflicts, and importance considerations of the six ESI evaluation characteristics: Multidimensional, Multivectoral, Systemic, Futuristic, Systematic, and Applied. Hence, this study aims to address this complexity by integrating Fuzzy-Weighted Zero-Inconsistency (FWZIC) and Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC). The proposed methodology consists of two phases. Firstly, the development of a Dynamic Decision Matrix (DDM) to handle 26 ESI frameworks as alternatives and the six ESI characteristics criteria. Secondly, the integration of mathematical processes is formulated based on the FWZIC-MABAC methods. Using the FWZIC technique, the ESI evaluation criteria were weighted based on the preferences of twelve experts. ESI-C2 (Multivectoral) and ESI-C1 (Multidimensional) criteria received the highest weights of 0.195 and 0.190, respectively, while the ESI-C5 (Systematic) criterion received the lowest weight of 0.110. The remaining criteria, namely ESI-C3 (Systemic), ESI-C6 (Applied), and ESI-C4 (Futuristic) obtained weights of 0.189, 0.168, and 0.147, respectively. The MABAC benchmarking results showed that A11 (Energy Security) and A15 (Energy Security under decarbonization) ranked first with the highest score value of 0.28081 for both. Conversely, A19 (EJM) had the lowest score value of −0.17022. The systematic rank and sensitivity analysis assessments were conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed methodology. We benchmarked the proposed methodology against three other benchmark studies and achieved a score of 100 % across three key perspectives. This methodology offers valuable support in making informed and sustainable decisions in the energy sector.

In this paper, we address the problem of high greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas platforms in Norway. We look at the potential of integrating an energy system composed of wind turbines and battery systems to unload the electrical power generated by gas turbines being the main source of emissions today. We propose a simulation model of the energy system, the power demand, the available wind speed, and different control strategies. By putting the models together, we evaluate the performance of various compositions of the system and determine their impact on emissions and battery lifetime. The numerical results show that changing today's practices has great potential to reduce greenhouse gases, with amounts varying between 30% and 80% compared with today's level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the local level, energy communities are at the forefront of the European Green Deal strategy offering new opportunities for citizens to get actively involved in energy markets. The scope of this study is to apply a multi-objective optimization framework to minimize both carbon dioxide emissions and total annual costs in an energy community, considering, within different constraints, a wide availability of decision variables including local renewable energy sources, sector coupling, storage and hydrogen. The methodology involves the coupling of the software EnergyPLAN with a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, considering 2030 and 2050 as target years and modelling a set of eight types of scenarios, each consisting of 100 optimal systems out of 10,000. The case study is an energy community in the European Alps. The results show, on the one hand, the key role of sector coupling technologies such as cogeneration, heat pumps and electric vehicles in exploiting local renewable energy sources and, on the other hand, the higher costs in introducing both electricity storage to achieve a complete decarbonisation and hydrogen as an alternative strategy in the electricity, thermal and transport sectors. More specifically, it has been identified that, by 2030 a complete decarbonisation cannot be achieved considering the replacement rates of the technologies included in the Baseline 2018, but nevertheless the European target of -55% of CO2 emissions can be reached with costs similar to those of the Business As Usual trajectory, while, by 2050 a complete decarbonisation is possible with costs within 24% higher than those of the Business As Usual trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The smart bioenergy approach encompasses the further development of modern biomass utilization systems into integrated systems consisting of optimized interaction with various renewable energy sources and coupled material/energy utilization. This study introduces the development and application of a multilevel analytic hierarchy and network process (AHP‐ANP) tool – SMARTbioGO – to assess smart bioenergy concepts in a transparent manner. The results indicate that all 36 analyzed bioenergy concepts support the energy system via sustainable biomass use, smart conversion, and system‐beneficial integration. A comprehensive contribution to a sustainable energy system can be achieved through a network of bioenergy concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the local level, energy communities are at the forefront of the European Green Deal strategy offering new opportunities for citizens to get actively involved in energy markets. The scope of this study is to propose a multi-objective optimization framework to minimize both carbon dioxide emissions and total annual costs in an energy community, considering, within different constraints, a wide availability of decision variables including local renewable energy sources, sector coupling, storage and hydrogen. The methodology involves the coupling of the software EnergyPLAN with a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, considering 2030 and 2050 as target years and modelling a set of eight types of scenarios, each consisting of 100 optimal systems out of 10,000. The case study is an energy community in the European Alps. The results show, on the one hand, the key role of sector coupling technologies such as cogeneration, heat pumps and electric vehicles in exploiting local renewable energy sources and, on the other hand, the higher costs in introducing both electricity storage to achieve a complete decarbonisation and hydrogen as an alternative strategy in the electricity, thermal and transport sectors.

The rapid growth of the share of variable renewable energy (VRE) may make it difficult to operate power systems incorporating these sources, due to fluctuations in VRE output. In this paper, we focus on the short-term fluctuations (STFs) in wind power total outputs in several balancing areas (BAs) in Japan. We propose five methods to mitigate STFs, utilizing innate functions of wind turbines that use neither battery systems nor any other additional systems or equipment. In addition, the methods suggested do not require predictions of the wind power output. The efficiency of the method was measured based on the relationship between the mitigation of STFs and associated energy loss. Historical wind power output data from three BAs in Japan (the Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu BAs) were used to conduct numerical simulations. One of the proposed methods effectively mitigated STFs in the total wind power output. The proposed approach is applicable to solar power and will help overcome challenges on the road toward 100% renewable energy.

In this paper, we address the problem of high greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas platforms in Norway. We look at the potential of integrating an energy system composed of wind turbines and battery systems to unload the electrical power generated by gas turbines being the main source of emissions today. We propose a simulation model of the energy system, the power demand, the available wind speed, and different control strategies. By putting the models together, we evaluate the performance of various compositions of the system and determine their impact on emissions and battery lifetime. The numerical results show that changing today’s practices has great potential to reduce greenhouse gases, with amounts varying between 30% and 80% compared with today’s level.

To address the growing energy use of data centers, waste heat recuperation offers a solution to better integrate these facilities into the broader energy system, thus facilitating a transition to the decarbonization of the energy system. The use of liquid coolants for full immersion cooling or local heat extraction from high power density components is considered for this purpose. However, heat can also be extracted by novel air cooling approaches, perhaps in combination with localized liquid cooling. To optimize heat extraction from air-cooled systems and maximize the heat grade, synthetic jets (SJs) can be used for targeted adaptive cooling in conjunction with air ducting to facilitate maximum heat recuperation potential in rack or server-mounted air-to-liquid heat exchangers. Internal server layouts can be optimized numerically, e.g., using a multiple objective genetic algorithm approach based on minimization of entropy generation rates. However, since SJs are inherently transient flow phenomena, this would require transient flow simulations, which forms a bottleneck in a numerical optimization loop. This research aims to develop a simplified steady-state representation of a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) with slot orifice using a localized body force to generate a similar time-averaged flow field to a real SJA, suitable for steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations within a numerical optimization loop. Both flow fields are compared in terms of the mean flow field, jet spreading rate, and turbulence intensity distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To realize a low‐carbon and sustainable energy transition, smart energy systems (SES) assisted by data and information technology are regarded as promising solutions for energy system integration (ESI) and have been put into regional practices. However, there is still lacking attention on the development of multiregional smart energy systems (MRSES), which include three or more areas. This article aims to analyze concepts and practices of SES and enlighten a new perspective of MRSES. The conceptual evolution and regional practices of SES in the world were first reviewed, and it was found out that SES does not means the end of the conceptual evolution of ESI. Current regional practices are still limited in small areas, being typically remote areas, urban areas, and industrial areas. Secondly, the review of concepts and practices of SES in China indicate that the understanding of SES concepts are still confusing in national scale, and the apparent regional disparity in China is calling attention on the development of MRSES. Finally, a preliminary concept of MRSES was proposed and its perspective in China and the world, which is composed by four connected sub‐SES and named as a coordinated development of "smart energy farms + smart energy towns + smart energy industrial parks + smart energy transportation networks" was discussed. The former three sub‐SES are identified according to various economic characteristics and resources endowment in different regions, and they are all connected by the forth sub‐SES. Although this concept is still preliminary, it provides an imagination of future large‐scale SES, and the realization of this concept needs further breakthrough of data technology. This article is categorized under:Application Areas > Industry Specific ApplicationsApplication Areas > Government and Public SectorApplication Areas > Society and Culture [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes future synergies between the Oil and Gas (O&G) and renewables sectors in a Danish context and explores how exploiting these synergies could lead to economic and environmental benefits. We review and highlight relevant technologies and related projects, and synthesize the state of the art in offshore energy system integration. All of these preliminary results serve as input data for a holistic energy system analysis in the Balmorel modeling framework. With a timeframe out to 2050 and model scope including all North Sea neighbouring countries, this analysis explores a total of nine future scenarios for the North Sea energy system. The main results include an immediate electrification of all operational Danish platforms by linking them to the shore and/or a planned Danish energy island. These measures result in cost and CO2 emissions savings compared to a BAU scenario of 72% and 85% respectively. When these platforms cease production, this is followed by the repurposing of the platforms into hydrogen generators with up to 3.6 GW of electrolysers and the development of up to 5.8 GW of floating wind. The generated hydrogen is assumed to power the future transport sector, and is delivered to shore in existing and/or new purpose-built pipelines. The contribution of the O&G sector to this hydrogen production amounts to around 19 TWh, which represents about 2% of total European hydrogen demand for transport in 2050. The levelized costs (LCOE) of producing this hydrogen in 2050 are around 4 €2020/kg H2, which is around twice those expected in similar studies. But this does not account for energy policies that may incentivize green hydrogen production in the future, which would serve to reduce this LCOE to a level that is more competitive with other sources.

Energy system decarbonisation pathways rely, to a considerable extent, on electricity storage to mitigate the volatility of renewables and ensure high levels of flexibility to future power grids. In this context, liquid air energy storage (LAES) has recently emerged as feasible solution to provide 10-100s MW power output and a storage capacity of GWhs. High energy density and ease of deployment are only two of the many favourable features of LAES, when compared to incumbent storage technologies, which are driving LAES transition from the concept proposed in 1977 to a real-life option. Two plants (350 kW and 5 MW) have been successfully built and demonstrated by Highview Power, and a 50 MW/250 MWh commercial plant is now under construction. Besides the commercial deployment, an ever-increasing body of literature on the topic proves the academic interest on LAES. However, literature heterogeneity in terms of the investigated concepts and plant layouts, working methodologies and study scope currently complicates the interpretation of outcomes. Few literature surveys have attempted to rationalise this landscape, yet leaving some key areas such as LAES integration practically unaddressed. The present article aims at filling these gaps and providing a holistic review of the LAES development. Uniquely in this review: i) we propose a new methodology for cross comparing the results from the literature and use it to harmonise techno-economic findings, ii) we review works where LAES operation in the energy system is considered and iii) we highlight promising LAES integration pathways and future research directions. More than 120 references on LAES have been processed according to the methodology. The results include once for all the state-of-the-art techno-economic performance of LAES, across all the concepts proposed, and propose necessary steps to further advance the LAES research. The need for more realistic LAES models for integration studies and a broader focus on LAES capabilities beyond electricity output, specifically for hybrid concepts, are highlighted.

Energy Systems Integration (ESI) involves coordinating and planning energy systems to provide reliable and affordable energy services while minimizing environmental harm. It optimizes interactions among different energy sources to achieve sustainability goals and promotes efficient resource usage. However, evaluating and benchmarking ESI frameworks to select the most suitable and transparent ones is a complex Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problem. This complexity arises from trade-offs, conflicts, and importance considerations of the six ESI evaluation characteristics: Multidimensional, Multivectoral, Systemic, Futuristic, Systematic, and Applied. Hence, this study aims to address this complexity by integrating Fuzzy-Weighted Zero-Inconsistency (FWZIC) and Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC). The proposed methodology consists of two phases. Firstly, the development of a Dynamic Decision Matrix (DDM) to handle 26 ESI frameworks as alternatives and the six ESI characteristics criteria. Secondly, the integration of mathematical processes is formulated based on the FWZIC-MABAC methods. Using the FWZIC technique, the ESI evaluation criteria were weighted based on the preferences of twelve experts. ESI-C2 (Multivectoral) and ESI-C1 (Multidimensional) criteria received the highest weights of 0.195 and 0.190, respectively, while the ESI-C5 (Systematic) criterion received the lowest weight of 0.110. The remaining criteria, namely ESI-C3 (Systemic), ESI-C6 (Applied), and ESI-C4 (Futuristic) obtained weights of 0.189, 0.168, and 0.147, respectively. The MABAC benchmarking results showed that A11 (Energy Security) and A15 (Energy Security under decarbonization) ranked first with the highest score value of 0.28081 for both. Conversely, A19 (EJM) had the lowest score value of −0.17022. The systematic rank and sensitivity analysis assessments were conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed methodology. We benchmarked the proposed methodology against three other benchmark studies and achieved a score of 100 % across three key perspectives. This methodology offers valuable support in making informed and sustainable decisions in the energy sector. • MCDM framework for Energy Systems Integration selection is developed. • Novel Dynamic Decision Matrix for 26 ESI frameworks and six criteria are presented. • Sensitivity analysis is used to assess the robustness of the selection framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power has been increasingly deployed in the last decade to decarbonize the electricity sector. Wind power output changes intermittently depending on weather conditions. In electrical power systems with high shares of variable renewable energy sources, such as wind power, system operators aim to respond flexibly to fluctuations in output. Here, we investigated very short-term fluctuations, short-term fluctuations (STFs), and long-term fluctuations (LTFs) in wind power output by analyzing historical output data for two northern and one southern balancing areas in Japan. We found a relationship between STFs and the average LTFs. The percentiles of the STFs in each month are approximated by linear functions of the monthly average LTFs. Furthermore, the absolute value of the slope of this function decreases with wind power capacity in the balancing area. The LTFs reflect the trend in wind power output. The results indicate that the flexibility required for power systems can be estimated based on wind power predictions. This finding could facilitate the design of the balancing market in Japan.

• A comprehensive set of energy storage and conversion devices were modelled. • Conversion devices were mapped to multi-network energy flows using matrices. • Energy storage and conversion devices were decomposed and sequentially optimised. • Interactions between multi-energy network operation limits were demonstrated. • Impact of energy conversion devices on PV-battery systems was investigated. An optimal coordinated operation model of comprehensive energy storage and conversion devices was built by considering interdependency in a multi-vector energy community, to achieve an overall optimum. The model determined the storage size, the operation strategies of energy storage and conversion devices and scenario analysis was further conducted. The proposed sequential method solved the complex mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem by decomposing the multi-energy system into a subsystem of conversion devices and a PV-battery subsystem, which reduced the computation complexity. Firstly, electricity, heat and gas networks were modelled in an integrated manner and with a suitable level of detail for operational purposes. The integrated electrical-hydraulic-thermal-gas flow equations imposed by multi-energy networks were formulated as equality constraints in the optimization. The optimal operation of conversion technologies with increasing net-load variability on the consumer load profiles was determined. Secondly, the design and operation of PV-battery systems was investigated to provide economic incentives for storage owners. The total costs, the self-consumption ratio (SCR), the internal return rate (IRR) of PV-battery systems were calculated. In scenario analysis, interactions between multi-energy network operation limits as well as the impact of energy conversion devices on PV-battery systems were demonstrated. It showed that the option of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) was advantageous without considering PV-battery systems using 2016 financial data. However, considering the profit of PV-battery systems and the declining grid electricity carbon intensity, the option of heat pumps was advantageous and may be a favorable option in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The technical and economic feasibility of on-site renewable energy production from solar and wind for a specific manufacturing plant in Ireland is assessed. The energy load of the plant during a typical year is identified through the analysis of gas and electricity consumption, based on internal monitoring and billing information. Solar and wind potentials are modelled for a period of 22 years using historical meteorological data. The distributed system is sized based on the physical limitations of the site and the effect on the net demand is calculated. As expected, solar and wind energy are generally decoupled. The solar energy presents a more predictable daily and seasonal trend; the wind system introduces a high variability on the net demand. Based on this real case study, a model is implemented to simulate the economic viability of the installation in different scenarios by assessing the influence that technical and economic input parameters have on the Net Present Value. Thus, it is possible to find the conditions in which the project would be viable and evaluate the needed economic policies and/or technical improvements to move in that direction. It is concluded that while a technical opportunity does exist, the economic conditions necessary (specifically, reduction in initial cost of investment, significant subsidy, and long payback period) to make on-site renewable generation a viable option in manufacturing industry in Ireland are too onerous to make it attractive. Highlights • On-site renewable electricity generation: a technical opportunity does exist. • It is not economically viable in isolation for Irish manufacturing facilities. • Economic viability requires a reduction in CapEx and significant subsidy. • The payback time exceeds what is acceptable for a manufacturing facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of global warming and the energy turn, sector coupling has gained increasing interest in recent years, from both the scientific community and politics. In the following article it is hypothesized that efficient multifaceted sector coupling solutions depend on detailed spatial and temporal characteristics of energy demand and supply. Hence, spatiotemporal modelling is used as a methodology of integrated spatial and energy planning, in order to determine favourable sector coupling strategies at the local level. A case study evaluation was carried out for both central and decentral renewable energy sources. Considering the high temporal resolutions of energy demand and supply, the results revealed a feasible operation of a district heating network in the central areas of the case study municipalities. Additionally, building integrated solar energy technologies are capable of providing large amount of excess energy that could serve other demand sectors, such as the mobility sector, or could be used for Power-to-X solutions. It is suggested that sector coupling strategies require spatial considerations and high temporal comparisons, in order to be reasonably integrated in spatial and urban planning.

• A hydrogen production method integrating electrolysis, gasification, and reforming is proposed. • Integrated system exploits energy and material complementarity of the three methods. • Integrated system provides green and stable hydrogen production. • Integrated system exhibits energy efficiency of 64.19 % and carbon emissions of 2.42 kgCO 2 /kgH 2. Engineering industries such as petroleum and petrochemicals have strict requirements for the stability of hydrogen supply to ensure the safety and reliability of system operations. However, relying on a single hydrogen production technology is insufficient to meet the requirements of both stable and green hydrogen. This study proposes an integrated hydrogen production system combining water electrolysis, biomass gasification, and natural gas reforming to achieve stable and green hydrogen. To capitalise on the advantages of the individual technologies, the integration among the different hydrogen production methods considers not only energy but also materials. As a by-product of water electrolysis, oxygen can create a pure oxygen atmosphere for biomass gasification and natural gas reforming, thereby considerably improving the energy conversion rate. The heated gases from the biomass gasification transport thermal energy to the natural gas reforming. Stable and maximised hydrogen production can be achieved through optimal coordination of the three hydrogen production technologies and storage devices. Optimisation models are built for each component, and case studies show that the proposed integrated system exhibits energy efficiency of 64.19 %, which is 9.87 % higher than the 54.32 % efficiency of single-energy hydrogen production, and achieves an 67 % carbon emission reduction compared with the existing industrial technology. The integrated system proposed in this study provides a solution for stable hydrogen production under the broad requirement of carbon neutrality, and it will provide valuable guidance for future integrated hydrogen production system development and offer information that is of interest to operators and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-optimal pathway for moving from the current fossil-fuel based energy system to 100% renewables is still an open question. This work presents the first study that analyses the transition towards a 100% renewable energy system under different spatial resolutions (1-node, 6-nodes electrically isolated and interconnected) and various coupling configurations for the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. With the LUT Energy System Transition Model for the case of Chile, 12 scenarios were investigated in an hourly resolution and considering more than one hundred energy-related technologies. The results show that: (1) 1-node systems deliver too simplistic results for key metrics; (2) power sector simulations can lead to a strongly distorted resources allocation compared to scenarios that include other sectors; (3) a multi-node model better reflects transmission bottlenecks and local resources, and; (4) the lowest-cost solution is reached when power transmission lines are considered. Thus, it is concluded that a cost-optimal, balanced, and realistic solution to reach a fully defossilised energy system is transitioning towards a multi-node, interconnected, and fully sector-coupled energy system. This can be called, in short, the 'Power-to-X economy', which in the case of Chile would more accurately be a 'Solar-to-X economy', given the high solar share found in the simulations. • 12 scenarios analysed with different spatial resolution and sector coupling setups. • Various coupling setups for the power, heat, transport and desalination sectors. • Electricity is the main energy carrier followed by e-hydrogen mainly for e-fuels. • A multi-node, interconnected and sector-coupled system is the most optimal solution. • First explanation of the 'Solar-to-X economy' concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With energy transition gaining momentum, energy storage technologies are increasingly spotlighted as they can effectively handle mismatches in supply and demand. The decreasing cost of distributed energy generation technologies and energy storage technologies as well as increasing demand for local flexibility is opening up new possibilities for the deployment of energy storage technologies in local energy communities. In this context, community energy storage has potential to better integrate energy supply and demand at the local level and can contribute towards accommodating the needs and expectations of citizens and local communities as well as future ecological needs. However, there are techno-economical and socio-institutional challenges of integrating energy storage technologies in the largely centralized present energy system, which demand socio-technical innovation. To gain insight into these challenges, this article studies the technical, demand and political articulations of new innovative local energy storage technologies based on an embedded case study approach. The innovation dynamics of two local energy storage innovations, the seasalt battery of DrTen® and the seasonal thermal storage Ecovat®, are analysed. We adopt a co-shaping perspective for understanding innovation dynamics as a result of the socio-institutional dynamics of alignment of various actors, their articulations and the evolving network interactions. Community energy storage necessitates thus not only technical innovation but, simultaneously, social innovation for its successful adoption. We will assess these dynamics also from the responsible innovation framework that articulates various forms of social, environmental and public values. The socio-technical alignment of various actors, human as well as material, is central in building new socio-technical configurations in which the new storage technology, the community and embedded values are being developed.

Integrated operation of distribution grids for multiple energy carriers promises hitherto unused synergies in terms of efficient generation, storage, and consumption. A major obstacle to the investment in such systems is their increased complexity, as conventional tools and methods were not designed to capture all relevant technical and economic aspects of hybrid grids. To address this obstacle, this work proposes a methodology to systematically assess multi-carrier energy grids under a holistic scope. By adopting a simulation-based approach that relies on detailed technical and economic models, an efficient and precise evaluation of both short-term (operational) and long-term (strategic) aspects is supported. The methodology enables the assessment of system configurations, control strategies, business models, and regulatory conditions in one coherent approach. As a proof-of-concept, the new methodology is applied to a real-world use case of a hybrid thermal-electrical distribution grid in a central European city. The results are comprehensively discussed to showcase how the various aspects of hybrid energy systems are addressed. The outcomes also demonstrate how this methodology aids the involved stakeholders in understanding the associated risks and potentials, paving the way for early adopters to realize multi-carrier energy distribution grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the largest installed capacity in the world, wind power in China is experiencing a ∼20% curtailment. The inflexible combined heat and power (CHP) has been recognized as the major barrier for integrating the wind source. The approach to reconcile the conflict between inflexible CHP units and variable wind power in Chinese energy system is yet unclear. This paper explores the technical and economic feasibility of deploying the heat storage tanks and electric boilers under typical power grids and practical operational regulations. A mixed integer linear optimization model is proposed to simulate an integrated power and heating energy systems, including a CHP model capable of accounting for the commitment decisions and nonconvex energy generation constraints. The model is applied to simulate a regional energy system (Jing–Jin–Tang) covering 100-million population, with hourly resolution over a year, incorporating actual data, and operational regulations. The results project an accelerating increase in wind curtailment rate at elevated wind penetration. Investment for wind breaks even at 14% wind penetration. At such penetration, the electric boiler (with heat storage) is effective in reducing wind curtailment. The investment in electric boilers is justified on a social economic basis, but the revenues for different stakeholders are not distributed evenly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-district heating networks based on cogeneration plants and renewable energy technologies are considered efficient, viable and environmentally-friendly solutions to realizing smart multi-energy microgrids. Nonetheless, the energy production from renewable sources is intermittent and stochastic, and cogeneration units are characterized by fixed power-to-heat ratios, which are incompatible with fluctuating thermal and electric demands. These drawbacks can be partially overcome by smart operational controls that are capable of maximizing the energy system performance. Moreover, electrically driven heat pumps may add flexibility to the system, by shifting thermal loads into electric loads. In this paper, a novel configuration for smart multi-energy microgrids, which combines centralized and distributed energy units is proposed. A centralized cogeneration system, consisting of an internal combustion engine is connected to a micro-district heating network. Distributed electric heat pumps assist the thermal production at the building level, giving operational flexibility to the system and supporting the integration of renewable energy technologies, i.e., wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and solar thermal collectors. The proposed configuration was tested in a hypothetical case study, namely, a University Campus located in Trieste, Italy. The system operation is based on a cost-optimal control strategy and the effect of the size of the cogeneration unit and heat pumps was investigated. A comparison with a conventional configuration, without distributed heat pumps, was also performed. The results show that the proposed configuration outperformed the conventional one, leading to a total-cost saving of around 8%, a carbon emission reduction of 11%, and a primary energy saving of 8%.

For two decades, transactive energy practitioners have been gaining experience with using market-based approaches to coordinate the flexible operation of customer electric assets. While the benefits anticipated from this distributed decision-making approach have been well explored, the practical aspects of implementing such systems and their suitability addressing real-world problems are just beginning to emerge. This report surveys 24 field-deployment programs and offers observations from interviews with experts instrumental in these deployments. The results of the survey and interviews reveal the diversity of designs and applications. They highlight the technical promise of the approaches as well as challenges with system integration, sustainable business strategy, and regulatory policy obstacles. Insights from the survey offer considerations to direct future effort and investment. • Experiences from transactive energy coordination projects growing globally. • Projects demonstrate market-based technology credibility in variety of deployments. • Experience in autonomous decision-making behavior gained but trust at-scale lacking. • System integration lessons stress need for ecosystem of interoperability standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]