scholarly journals Are Engineered Geothermal Energy Systems a Viable Solution for Arctic Off-Grid Communities? A Techno-Economic Study

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 3526
Author(s):  
Mafalda M. Miranda ◽  
Jasmin Raymond ◽  
Jonathan Willis-Richards ◽  
Chrystel Dezayes
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Flow Impedance ◽  
Deep Geothermal Energy

Deep geothermal energy sources harvested by circulating fluids in engineered geothermal energy systems can be a solution for diesel-based northern Canadian communities. However, poor knowledge of relevant geology and thermo-hydro-mechanical data introduces significant uncertainty in numerical simulations. Here, a first-order assessment was undertaken following a “what-if” approach to help design an engineered geothermal energy system for each of the uncertain scenarios. Each possibility meets the thermal energy needs of the community, keeping the water losses, the reservoir flow impedance and the thermal drawdown within predefined targets. Additionally, the levelized cost of energy was evaluated using the Monte Carlo method to deal with the uncertainty of the inputs and assess their influence on the output response. Hydraulically stimulated geothermal reservoirs of potential commercial interest were simulated in this work. In fact, the probability of providing heating energy at a lower cost than the business-as-usual scenario with oil furnaces ranges between 8 and 92%. Although the results of this work are speculative and subject to uncertainty, geothermal energy seems a potentially viable alternative solution to help in the energy transition of remote northern communities.

PEACES: A Program for the Economic Analysis of Combined Energy Systems

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Roy-Aikins
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Investment ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Thermodynamic Performance ◽  
Combined Cycles

Industrial concerns, the world over, are embracing gas/steam turbine combined cycles and combined heat and power as means of meeting energy needs. The main reason is that the potential for energy savings is huge, due to the utilisation of waste heat as useful energy — the key to the excellent thermodynamic performance exhibited by combined energy systems. Excellent thermodynamic performance may not be matched by excellent economic performance, and in certain cases it may not be economical to choose a combined energy system over a mix of supply from conventional plants. The factors governing the economics of combined energy are numerous, though a few are decisive. In choosing a plant for a given duty, an economic assessment of life-cycle costs should be carried out for candidate plants, to arrive at the most economically viable investment proposal, among alternatives. With this in mind, a computer program PEACES was developed to aid the appraisal of energy investment proposals based on combined energy systems. The economic model on which the program was structured is described in this paper. A case study is carried out, where the software was used at arriving at the most economically viable solution for meeting the energy needs at an industrial site.

scholarly journals Accessibility and Sustainability of Hybrid Energy Systems for a Cement Factory in Oman

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Wesam H. Beitelmal ◽  
Paul C. Okonkwo ◽  
Fadhil Al Housni ◽  
Wael Alruqi ◽  
Omar Alruwaythi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Diesel Generator ◽  
Hybrid Energy ◽  
Electric System ◽  
Cement Factory ◽  
Hybrid Energy Systems ◽  
Cost Of Energy

Diesel generators are being used as a source of electricity in different parts of the world. Because of the significant expense in diesels cost and the requirement for a greener domain, such electric generating systems appear not to be efficient and environmentally friendly and should be tended to. This paper explores the attainability of utilizing a sustainable power source based on a cross-breed electric system in the cement factory in Salalah, Oman. The HOMER software that breaks down the system setup was utilized to examine the application and functional limitations of each hybridized plan. The result showed that a renewable-energy (RE)-based system has a lower cost of energy (COE) and net present cost (NPC) compared to diesel generator-based hybrid electric and standalone systems. Although the two pure renewable hybrid energy systems considered in this study displayed evidence of no emissions, lower NPC and COE values are observed in the photovoltaic/battery (PV/B) hybrid energy system compared with photovoltaic/wind turbine/battery (PV/WT/B). The PV/WT/B and PV/B systems have higher electricity production and low NPC and COE values. Moreover, the PV/B has the highest return on investment (ROI) and internal rate of return (IRR), making the system the most economically viable and adjudged to be a better candidate for rural community electrification demands.

scholarly journals The Potential Of Simulating Energy Systems: The Multi Energy Systems Simulator Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Bottecchia ◽  
Pietro Lubello ◽  
Pietro Zambelli ◽  
Carlo Carcasci ◽  
Lukas Kranzl
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Energy System ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Energy System Model ◽  
Urban Level

Energy system modelling is an essential practice to assist a set of heterogeneous stakeholders in the process of defining an effective and efficient energy transition. From the analysis of a set of open source energy system models, it has emerged that most models employ an approach directed at finding the optimal solution for a given set of constraints. On the contrary, a simulation model is a representation of a system that is used to reproduce and understand its behaviour under given conditions, without seeking an optimal solution. Given the lack of simulation models that are also fully open source, in this paper a new open source energy system model is presented. The developed tool, called Multi Energy Systems Simulator (MESS), is a modular, multi-node model that allows to investigate non optimal solutions by simulating the energy system. The model has been built having in mind urban level analyses. However, each node can represent larger regions allowing wider spatial scales to be be represented as well. MESS is capable of performing analysis on systems composed by multiple energy carriers (e.g. electricity, heat, fuels). In this work, the tool’s features will be presented by a comparison between MESS itself and an optimization model, in order to analyze and highlight the differences between the two approaches, the potentialities of a simulation tool and possible areas for further development.

scholarly journals A Comparative Study between Traditional Backup Generator Systems and Renewable Energy Based Microgrids for Power Resilience Enhancement of a Local Clinic

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal Faraji ◽  
Masoud Babaei ◽  
Navid Bayati ◽  
Maryam A.Hejazi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Electrical Network ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
Electrical Systems ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Battery Energy

Extreme weather events lead to electrical network failures, damages, and long-lasting blackouts. Therefore, enhancement of the resiliency of electrical systems during emergency situations is essential. By using the concept of standby redundancy, this paper proposes two different energy systems for increasing load resiliency during a random blackout. The main contribution of this paper is the techno-economic and environmental comparison of two different resilient energy systems. The first energy system utilizes a typical traditional generator (TG) as a standby component for providing electricity during the blackouts and the second energy system is a grid-connected microgrid consisting of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage (BES) as a standby component. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to investigate the survivability of both energy systems during the blackouts. The objective function minimizes total net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) by considering the defined constraints of the system for increasing the resiliency. Simulations are performed by HOMER, and results show that for having almost the same resilience enhancement in both systems, the second system, which is a grid-connected microgrid, indicates lower NPC and COE compared to the first system. More comparison details are shown in this paper to highlight the effectiveness and weakness of each resilient energy system.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Analysis of Grid-Connected PV and Fuel Cell Hybrid System Using Different PV Tracking Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8515
Author(s):  
Saif Mubaarak ◽  
Delong Zhang ◽  
Yongcong Chen ◽  
Jinxin Liu ◽  
Longze Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid System ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Pv System ◽  
Hybrid Energy ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
System Components ◽  
Pv Generation

Solar energy has attracted the attention of researchers around the world due to its advantages. However, photovoltaic (PV) panels still have not attained the desired efficiency and economic mature. PV tracking techniques can play a vital role in improving the performance of the PV system. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and compare the technical and economic performance of grid-connected hybrid energy systems including PV and fuel cells (FC) by applying major types of PV tracking technique. The topology and design principles and technical description of hybrid system components are proposed in this paper. Moreover, this paper also introduces economic criteria, which are used to evaluate the economy of different PV tracking techniques and seek the optimal configuration of system components. In the case study, the results show that the vertical single axis tracker was ranked 1st in terms of highest PV generation, penetration of renewable energy to the grid, lowest CO2 emission, highest energy sold to the grid and lowest purchased, and lowest net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The study found that the optimal design of a grid-connected hybrid energy system (PV-FC) was by using a vertical single axis tracker which has the lowest NPC, LCOE.

scholarly journals The Potential of Simulating Energy Systems: The Multi Energy Systems Simulator Model

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 5724
Author(s):  
Luigi Bottecchia ◽  
Pietro Lubello ◽  
Pietro Zambelli ◽  
Carlo Carcasci ◽  
Lukas Kranzl
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Energy System Model ◽  
Urban Energy ◽  
Realistic Description

Energy system modelling is an essential practice to assist a set of heterogeneous stakeholders in the process of defining an effective and efficient energy transition. From the analysis of a set of open-source energy system models, it emerged that most models employ an approach directed at finding the optimal solution for a given set of constraints. On the contrary, a simulation model is a representation of a system used to reproduce and understand its behaviour under given conditions without seeking an optimal solution. In this paper, a new open-source energy system model is presented. Multi Energy Systems Simulator (MESS) is a modular, multi-energy carrier, multi-node model that allows the investigation of non optimal solutions by simulating an energy system. The model was built for urban level analyses. However, each node can represent larger regions allowing wider spatial scales to be represented as well. In this work, the tool’s features are presented through a comparison between MESS and Calliope, a state of the art optimization model, to analyse and highlight the differences between the two approaches, the potentialities of a simulation tool and possible areas for further development. The two models produced coherent results, showing differences that were tracked down to the different approaches. Based on the comparison conducted, general conclusions were drawn on the potential of simulating energy systems in terms of a more realistic description of smaller energy systems, lower computational times and increased opportunity for participatory processes in planning urban energy systems.

scholarly journals Integrated Renewable Energy Systems in Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Sofia Lewis Lopes ◽  
Elizabeth Duarte ◽  
Rita Fragoso
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Waste Production ◽  
New Business ◽  
Exponential Population Growth

The exponential population growth will put great pressure on natural resources, agriculture, energy systems and waste production. New business models and innovative technological approaches are necessary to tackle these challenges and achieve the energy transition targets set by the European Commission. Renewable energy technologies and processes such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and anaerobic co-digestion have become a subject of interest and research as a solution that could be fully implemented in industries and solve several environmental and economic problems. This paper discusses the possibility of integrating and complement these technologies to maximize renewable energy production and circularity. The review was performed with a funnel approach aiming to analyze broad to specific subjects. Beginning with a literature review on the various definitions of circular economy, bioeconomy, and circular bioeconomy, ultimately proposing a single definition according to an industrial and academic scope combination, followed by a systematization and assessment of data and literature regarding energy systems present state and projections. The next phase was to assess data and literature of the fruit and vegetable processing industry from an energy consumption and biowaste production perspective to consequently discussing technologies that could help manage problems identified throughout this review. This paper culminates in propounding an Integrated Renewable Energy System conceptual model that promotes energy and waste circularity, envisioning how industries could be designed or redesigned in the future, coupled with a circular bioeconomy business model.

scholarly journals Thoughts on China’s energy transition outlook

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 59-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Zhongying ◽  
Kaare Sandholt
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Security Of Supply ◽  
Transition Analysis ◽  
The Past ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
Sustainable Energy System

Abstract China’s strong economic growth over the past 40 years has been followed by similar strong growth in energy consumption, based on coal. A continuation of this development is not sustainable, and China has set new ambitious targets for future energy systems development, which in reality calls for a genuine energy revolution in order to build a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system towards 2035 and 2050. This paper looks at the mechanisms behind the energy transition, analysis of a concrete case for a sustainable energy system in 2050, and points to policy measures and instruments to ensure the necessary progress in this energy transition. The case shows that it is possible for China in 2050 to reduce CO2 emission to one-third of today’s emission while at the same time maintaining economic growth, improving security of supply, air quality, and economic efficiency of the power system.

Joint synthesis “Geothermal Energy” of the NRP “Energy”

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianfranco Guidati ◽  
Domenico Giardini
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Industrial Processes ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Drilling Depth ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Joint Project ◽  
Deep Geothermal Energy

Near-to-surface geothermal energy with heat pumps is state of the art and is already widespread in Switzerland. In the future energy system, medium-deep to deep geothermal energy (1 to 6 kilometres) will, in addition, play an important role. To the forefront is the supply of heat for buildings and industrial processes. This form of geothermal energy utilisation requires a highly permeable underground area that allows a fluid – usually water – to absorb the naturally existing rock heat and then transport it to the surface. Sedimentary rocks are usually permeable by nature, whereas for granites and gneisses permeability must be artificially induced by injecting water. The heat gained in this way increases in line with the drilling depth: at a depth of 1 kilometre, the underground temperature is approximately 40°C, while at a depth of 3 kilometres it is around 100°C. To drive a steam turbine for the production of electricity, temperatures of over 100°C are required. As this requires greater depths of 3 to 6 kilometres, the risk of seismicity induced by the drilling also increases. Underground zones are also suitable for storing heat and gases, such as hydrogen or methane, and for the definitive storage of CO2. For this purpose, such zones need to fulfil similar requirements to those applicable to heat generation. In addition, however, a dense top layer is required above the reservoir so that the gas cannot escape. The joint project “Hydropower and geo-energy” of the NRP “Energy” focused on the question of where suitable ground layers can be found in Switzerland that optimally meet the requirements for the various uses. A second research priority concerned measures to reduce seismicity induced by deep drilling and the resulting damage to buildings. Models and simulations were also developed which contribute to a better understanding of the underground processes involved in the development and use of geothermal resources. In summary, the research results show that there are good conditions in Switzerland for the use of medium-deep geothermal energy (1 to 3 kilometres) – both for the building stock and for industrial processes. There are also grounds for optimism concerning the seasonal storage of heat and gases. In contrast, the potential for the definitive storage of CO2 in relevant quantities is rather limited. With respect to electricity production using deep geothermal energy (> 3 kilometres), the extent to which there is potential to exploit the underground economically is still not absolutely certain. In this regard, industrially operated demonstration plants are urgently needed in order to boost acceptance among the population and investors.

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