Research on the Integration of Energy Economic Model and Urban Energy Model

In order to explore the strategy on urban energy and reduction of greenhouse gas, a large number of energy models have been developed by interdisciplinary studies. Mixed patterns are particularly useful as a result that they incorporate more dynamics to simulate the relevant high-level decisions and the provided actual results by building-level factors. However, space and spatial energy models are not often linked, which ignores the spatial impact of energy and emission policies in urban environments. The application of this method shows how it can be used to assess how different policies interact with other and affect building energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Modeling of thermal process in the energy system “Electrical network - asynchronous motor”

The paper discusses the influence of low-quality electricity on the temperature modes of operation of an asynchronous motor. In the course of experimental and analytical studies, the heat transfer coefficients and heat capacity of a particular electromechanical converter were determined. Experimental and analytical dependences of temperature changes of an asynchronous motor on time are given when it is connected to a supply voltage with different coefficients of sinusoidal distortion and negative sequence. The resulting model is tested for its adequacy to the real process and can be used as an element in the energy-economic model of an asynchronous motor to assess its uptime. This model that can be useful for simulation of thermal processes in asynchronous motors and optimising these devices for increasing the reliability.

Factors Influencing Electric Vehicle Penetration in the EU by 2030: A Model-Based Policy Assessment

The European Commission (EC) has set ambitious CO2 emission reduction objectives for the transport sector by 2050. In this context, most decarbonisation scenarios for transport foresee large market penetration of electric vehicles in 2030 and 2050. The emergence of electrified car mobility is, however, uncertain due to various barriers such as battery costs, range anxiety and dependence on battery recharging networks. Those barriers need to be addressed in the 2020–2030 decade, as this is key to achieving electrification at a large scale in the longer term. The paper explores the uncertainties prevailing in the first decade and the mix of policies to overcome the barriers by quantifying a series of sensitivity analysis scenarios of the evolution of the car markets in the EU Member States and the impacts of each barrier individually. The model used is PRIMES-TREMOVE, which has been developed by E3MLab and constitutes a detailed energy-economic model for the transport sector. Based on model results, the paper assesses the market, energy, emission and cost impacts of various CO2 car standards, infrastructure development plans with different geographic coverage and a range of battery cost reductions driven by learning and mass industrial production. The assessment draws on the comparison of 29 sensitivity scenarios for the EU, which show that removing the barriers in the decade 2020–2030 is important for electrification emergence. The results show that difficult policy dilemmas exist between adopting stringent standards and infrastructure of wide coverage to push technology and market development and adverse effects on costs, in case the high cost of batteries persists. However, if the pace of battery cost reductions is fast, a weak policy for standards and infrastructure is not cost-effective and sub-optimal. These policies are shown to have impacts on the competition between pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Drivers that facilitate electrification also favour the uptake of the former technology, the latter being a reasonable choice only in case the barriers persist and obstruct electrification.

THE FUTURE OF NATURAL GAS IN CHINA: EFFECTS OF PRICING REFORM AND CLIMATE POLICY

China is currently attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase natural gas consumption as a part of broader national strategies to reduce the air pollution impacts of the nation’s energy system. To assess the scenarios of natural gas development up to 2050, we employ a global energy-economic model — the MIT Economic Projection and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model. The results show that a cap-and-trade policy will enable China to achieve its climate mitigation goals, but will also reduce natural gas consumption. An integrated policy that uses a part of the carbon revenue obtained from the cap-and-trade system to subsidize natural gas use promotes natural gas consumption, resulting in a further reduction in coal use relative to the cap-and-trade policy case. The integrated policy has a very moderate welfare cost; however, it reduces air pollution and allows China to achieve both the climate objective and the natural gas promotion objective.

Assessing the development of combined heat and power generation in the EU

Purpose – This paper aims to quantify the potentials for the development of combined heat and power (CHP) in Europe. Design/methodology/approach – To this end, it uses the TIMES-EU energy-economic model and assesses the impact of key policy options and targets in the area of CO2 emissions reduction, renewable energies and energy efficiency improvements. The results are also compared with the cogeneration potentials as reported by the Member States in their national reports. Findings – The paper shows that CHP output could be more than doubled and that important CHP penetration potential exists in expanding the European district heating systems. This result is even more pronounced with the far-reaching CO2 emissions reduction necessary in order to meet a long-term 2 degree target. Nevertheless, the paper also shows that strong CO2 emission reductions in the energy sector might limit the CHP potential due to increased competition for biomass with the transport sector. Originality/value – Given the proven socio-economic benefits of using CHP, the paper identifies the areas for future research in order to better exploit the potential of this technology such as the combination of CHP and district cooling or country- and industry-specific options to generate process heat.