Electricity production using renewable resources in urban centres

Abstract

Previous research has identified 11 technologies that use resources that are available in or come from cities. It has been established that using these technologies, the flows from energy carriers required by cities could be reduced. These carriers can be electricity or fuels. Of the identified technologies, eight can produce electricity: biomass, biodigestor biogas, landfill biogas, waste incineration, tidal, small wind, small hydroelectric and photovoltaic technologies. The use of these technologies depends on the existence of resources and technical, economic and social or environmental factors. This research proposes the use of multiple-criteria techniques to select the most appropriate options for promoting renewable energy in cities. This approach was applied to the medium-sized city of Cuenca in Ecuador. Ecuador is a developing country, is an oil producer and has important water resources. The authors concluded that studies of the potential for implementing hydroelectric and solar photovoltaic energy and energy from landfill gas should be extended. The results coincide with the existing resources, implemented projects and the expectations of local professionals.

Simulación fotovoltaica considerando parámetros de integración en edificaciones

“…Sin embargo, es necesario el determinar el potencial de generación energética variable en cada entorno urbano, pues cada ciudad posee características propias en recursos y demandas energéticas particulares [11], [14], como antesala para establecer normativas y regulaciones urbanísticas [15] y de infraestructura energética [16]. La agencia internacional IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), recomienda el aprovechamiento de las grandes áreas de envolventes y techumbres para el emplazamiento de sistemas de captación de energía como complemento a medidas de eficiencia energética en edificaciones, implicando la producción de energía de forma distribuida [12].…”

Editorial

“…From a series of ethnographic studies, the paper describes the main features of the different and distinct narratives developed by the people and communities of Sønderborg and Växjö from a social, political and cultural perspective. As a guide for planning and implementing future renewable urban energy initiatives, the paper sets out a framework for energy transition comprising local identity, political consensus, external partnerships, inclusive communication, local leadership and champions.In comparison, the paper by Barragán-Escandón et al (2018) presents a mathematical-based approach for selecting the most appropriate combination of renewable energy sources for cities. Using the Promethee (preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluation) method, the authors adapted a multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodology that had previously been used at a regional or national scale.…”

“…Adapting the concept of urban metabolism (UM), the authors have developed a similar large-scale approach for energy use in cities termed urban energy metabolism (UEM). The approach examines energy flows in relation to the physical infrastructures of urban systems as energy sinks as a tool for urban planners.In comparison with the large-scale models proposed by Ziebell and Singh (2018) and Barragán-Escandón et al (2018), the paper by Lühn and Geldermann (2018) focuses on the technical difficulties of integrating PVs into the energy distribution grid in Germany. The authors propose grid optimisation using battery storage systems in private households to reduce active peak power at the grid connection points.…”

“…In comparison, the paper by Barragán-Escandón et al (2018) presents a mathematical-based approach for selecting the most appropriate combination of renewable energy sources for cities. Using the Promethee (preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluation) method, the authors adapted a multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodology that had previously been used at a regional or national scale.…”

“…In comparison with the large-scale models proposed by Ziebell and Singh (2018) and Barragán-Escandón et al (2018), the paper by Lühn and Geldermann (2018) focuses on the technical difficulties of integrating PVs into the energy distribution grid in Germany. The authors propose grid optimisation using battery storage systems in private households to reduce active peak power at the grid connection points.…”