Complex Energy Networks Optimization: Part II — Software Application to a Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Ancona ◽  
M. Bianchi ◽  
L. Branchini ◽  
A. De Pascale ◽  
F. Melino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Production ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Optimal Scheduling ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Complex Energy ◽  
Energy Networks ◽  
Energy Network

Abstract In order to increase the exploitation of the renewable energy sources, the diffusion of the distributed generation systems is grown, leading to an increase in the complexity of the electrical, thermal, cooling and fuel energy distribution networks. With the main purpose of improving the overall energy conversion efficiency and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated to fossil fuel based production systems, the design and the management of these complex energy grids play a key role. In this context, an in-house developed software, called COMBO, presented and validated in the Part I of this study, has been applied to a case study in order to define the optimal scheduling of each generation system connected to a complex energy network. The software is based on a non-heuristic technique which considers all the possible combination of solutions, elaborating the optimal scheduling for each energy system by minimizing an objective function based on the evaluation of the total energy production cost and energy systems environmental impact. In particular, the software COMBO is applied to a case study represented by an existing small-scale complex energy network, with the main objective of optimizing the energy production mix and the complex energy networks yearly operation depending on the energy demand of the users. The electrical, thermal and cooling needs of the users are satisfied with a centralized energy production, by means of internal combustion engines, natural gas boilers, heat pumps, compression and absorption chillers. The optimal energy systems operation evaluated by the software COMBO will be compared to a Reference Case, representative of the current energy systems set-up, in order to highlight the environmental and economic benefits achievable with the proposed strategy.

Complex Energy Networks Optimization: Part II—Software Application to a Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Alessandra Ancona ◽  
Michele Bianchi ◽  
Lisa Branchini ◽  
Andrea De Pascale ◽  
Francesco Melino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Production ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Optimal Scheduling ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Complex Energy ◽  
Energy Networks ◽  
Energy Network

Abstract In order to increase the exploitation of the renewable energy sources, the diffusion of the distributed generation systems is grown, leading to an increase in the complexity of the electrical, thermal, cooling, and fuel energy distribution networks. With the main purpose of improving the overall energy conversion efficiency and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel based production systems, the design and the management of these complex energy grids play a key role. In this context, an in-house developed software, called COMBO, presented and validated in Part I of this study, has been applied to a case study in order to define the optimal scheduling of each generation system connected to a complex energy network. The software is based on a nonheuristic technique, which considers all the possible combination of solutions, elaborating the optimal scheduling for each energy system by minimizing an objective function based on the evaluation of the total energy production cost and energy systems' environmental impact. In particular, the software COMBO is applied to a case study represented by an existing small-scale complex energy network, with the main objective of optimizing the energy production mix and the complex energy networks yearly operation depending on the energy demand of the users. The electrical, thermal, and cooling needs of the users are satisfied with a centralized energy production, by means of internal combustion engines, natural gas boilers, heat pumps, compression, and absorption chillers. The optimal energy systems' operation evaluated by the software COMBO will be compared to a reference case, representative of the current energy systems setup, in order to highlight the environmental and economic benefits achievable with the proposed strategy.

scholarly journals The potential of coffee stems  gasification to provide bioenergy for coffee farms: a case study in the Colombian coffee sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1137-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Garcia-Freites ◽  
Andrew Welfle ◽  
Amanda Lea-Langton ◽  
Paul Gilbert ◽  
Patricia Thornley
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Thermochemical Conversion ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Coffee Production ◽  
Coffee Sector ◽  
Low Grade Heat

AbstractThe coffee industry constitutes an important part of the global economy. Developing countries produce over 90% of world coffee production, generating incomes for around 25 million smallholder farmers. The scale of this industry poses a challenge with the generation of residues along with the coffee cultivation and processing chain. Coffee stems, obtained after pruning of coffee trees, are one of those abundant and untapped resources in the coffee supply chain. Their high lignocellulosic content, the low calorific value ranging between 17.5 and 18 MJ kg−1 and the low ash content make them a suitable solid fuel for thermochemical conversion, such as gasification. This research evaluates the feasibility of using these residues in small-scale downdraft gasifiers coupled to internal combustion engines for power and low-grade heat generation, using process modelling and the Colombian coffee sector as a case study. The producer gas properties (5.6 MJ Nm−3) and the gasifier’s performance characteristics suggest that this gas could be utilized for power generation. A cogeneration system efficiency of 45.6% could be attainable when the system’s low-grade heat is recovered for external applications, like in the coffee drying stage. An analysis of the energy demand and coffee stems availability within the Colombian coffee sector shows that the biomass production level in medium- to large-scale coffee farms is well matched to their energy demands, offering particularly attractive opportunities to deploy this bioenergy system. This work assesses the feasibility of providing coffee stem–sourced low-carbon energy for global coffee production at relevant operating scales in rural areas.

A Framework for the Development of Technical Requirements for Renewable Energy Systems at a Small-Scale Airport Facility

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Troy V. Nguyen ◽  
Aldo Fabregas Ariza ◽  
Nicholas W. Miller ◽  
Ismael Cremer
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Target System ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Renewable Energy Systems ◽  
Technical Requirements

Airports are key components of the global transportation system and are the subject of continuous sustainability improvements. Promoting clean energy sources and energy-efficient practices can help attain major sustainability goals at airports around the world. Although small airports are greater in number, most of the “sustainability” attention has been given to large airports. Small airports are typically located in rural areas, making them excellent candidates for renewable energy. This paper focuses on the planning and selection of renewable energy systems as a strategic method to reduce energy use and increase electric power reliability at small-scale airport facilities. The target system may use a combination of renewable energy sources to produce electrical power for the on-site facilities. The framework details include methods of energy collection, power production, and energy storage that are environmentally sound. A small airport serving a dual role as a flight training facility was used as case study. In the case study, systems engineering methodology was adapted to the small airport/ renewable energy domain in order to effectively identify stakeholders and elicit user requirements. These, coupled with industrial standards, relevant government regulations, and a priori constraints, are used to derive the initial requirements that serve as the basis for a preliminary design. The proposed framework also contains provisions for an on-site assessment of existing airport energy needs, sources, providers, and location-specific assets and challenges.

scholarly journals A Novel Method for Analyzing Highly Renewable and Sector-coupled Sub-national Energy Systems–Case Study of Schleswig-Holstein

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Nasimul Islam Maruf
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ground Source Heat Pumps ◽  
Feasible Solutions

The energy transition requires integration of different energy carriers, including electricity, heat, and transport sectors. Energy modeling methods and tools are essential to provide a clear insight into the energy transition. However, the methodologies often overlook the details of small-scale energy systems. The study states an innovative approach to facilitate sub-national energy systems with 100% renewable penetration and sectoral integration. An optimization model, OSeEM-SN, is developed under the Oemof framework. The model is validated using the case study of Schleswig-Holstein. The study assumes three scenarios representing 25%, 50%, and 100% of the total available biomass potentials. OSeEM-SN reaches feasible solutions without additional offshore wind investment, indicating that they can be reserved for supplying other states’ energy demand. The annual investment cost varies between 1.02 bn – 1.44 bn €/yr for the three scenarios. The electricity generation decreases by 17%, indicating that with high biomass-based combined heat and power plants, the curtailment from other renewable plants can be decreased. Ground source heat pumps dominate the heat mix; however, their installation decreases by 28% as the biomass penetrates fully into the energy mix. The validation confirms OSeEM-SN as a beneficial tool to examine different scenarios for sub-national energy systems.

Complex Energy Networks Optimization: Part II \u2013\u2014 Software Application to a Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Alessandra Ancona ◽  
Michele Bianchi ◽  
Lisa Branchini ◽  
Andrea De Pascale ◽  
Francesco Melino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Energy ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Energy Networks

scholarly journals Mathematical modeling of mini-CHP based on biomass

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 02005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Mednikov ◽  
Alexey Maksimov ◽  
Elina Tyurina
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Internal Combustion Engines ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Combustion Engines ◽  
Distributed Power Generation ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Flow Charts ◽  
Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Heat Carriers

One of the promising directions of small-scale distributed power generation for Russia is the use of biomass. The present work is devoted to studies of an mini-CHP based on multi-stage biomass gasification. Mathematical models of elements and mini-CHP in general based on technological schemes were constructed. The mathematical models were constructed with the software developed at Melentiev Energy Systems Institute of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The calculations were made for two sizes of internal combustion engines. Thus, we obtained the values of flow rates, temperatures of heat carriers at various points of flow charts of the plants.

scholarly journals A Novel Method for Analyzing Highly Renewable and Sector-Coupled Subnational Energy Systems—Case Study of Schleswig-Holstein

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3852
Author(s):  
Md. Nasimul Islam Maruf
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Modeling ◽  
Offshore Wind ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Ground Source Heat Pumps

The energy transition requires an integration of different energy carriers, including electricity, heat, and transport sectors. Energy modeling methods and tools are essential to provide a clear insight into the energy transition. However, the methodologies often overlook the details of small-scale energy systems. The study states an innovative approach to facilitate subnational energy systems with 100% renewable penetration and sectoral integration. An optimization model, the “Open Sector-coupled Energy Model for Subnational Energy Systems” (OSeEM–SN), was developed under the Open Energy Modeling Framework (Oemof). The model is validated using the case study of Schleswig-Holstein. The study assumes three scenarios representing 25%, 50%, and 100% of the total available biomass potentials. OSeEM–SN reaches feasible solutions without additional offshore wind investment, indicating that it can be reserved for supplying other states’ energy demand. The annual investment cost varies between 1.02 and 1.44 bn €/year for the three scenarios. The electricity generation decreases by 17%, indicating that, with high biomass-based combined heat and power plants, the curtailment from other renewable plants can be decreased. Ground source heat pumps dominate the heat mix; however, their installation decreases by 28% as the biomass penetrates fully into the energy mix. The validation confirms OSeEM–SN as a beneficial tool to examine different scenarios for subnational energy systems.

scholarly journals How Much Can Small-Scale Wind Energy Production Contribute to Energy Supply in Cities? A Case Study of Berlin

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5523
Author(s):  
Alina Wilke ◽  
Zhiwei Shen ◽  
Matthias Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Wind Turbines ◽  
Urban Energy ◽  
Complete Framework

In light of the global effort to limit the temperature rise, many cities have undertaken initiatives to become climate-neutral, making decentralized urban energy production more relevant. This paper addresses the potential of urban wind energy production with small wind turbines, using Berlin as an example. A complete framework from data selection to economic feasibility is constructed to enable the empirical assessment of wind energy for individual buildings and Berlin as a whole. Based on a detailed dataset of all buildings and hourly wind speed on a 1 km² grid, the results show that multiple turbines on suitable buildings can significantly contribute to households’ energy consumption but fall short of covering the full demand. For individual households, our economic evaluation strongly recommends the self-consumption of the produced electricity. The findings suggest that while the use of small wind turbines should be continuously encouraged, exploring other renewable resources or combination of wind and photovoltaic energy in the urban environment remains important.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document