Improved Structural Local Thermal Energy Planning Based on Prosumer Profile: Part A

Abstract

The transition to a carbon-reduced future for one of the most energy-intensive actors, the building sector, requires the development of appropriate tools and methods. One such approach is local energy communities (LECs), especially thermal LECs (TLECs), which provide a promising vector towards that transition. LECs exploit energy users as key actors in the energy production process. However, their formation, creation, and continuation are still an ongoing endeavor. Many research efforts focus on creating and continuing LECs in an economic, legal, and incentivized manner, sparsely addressing the formation process. In this Part A, a collective tool for decision-making for potential TLECs is presented. The current study proposes a unified approach to classify the prosumers of energy (consumers who both produce and consume energy) using conventional methodologies (RenewIslands, Kaya Identity). A case study is presented in a fully operating LEC in Kimmeria, Greece, in which both the traditional methods of classifying users are applied as well as the proposed methodology, in comparison. The results indicate a significant improvement to the conventional solutions, which tend to overestimate the needed equipment, leading to extensive installation and operational costs.

Improved Structural Local Thermal Energy Planning Based on Prosumer Profile: Part B

“…In Part A, where the HDLM methodology was introduced, the authors focused on classifying potential prosumers of TLECs based on their yearly thermal energy demand. More information about the 1st layer of the proposed methodology is available on [9]. The proposed methodology is divided in three layers: the 1st layer concerns the prosumers' thermal energy consumption profile, the 2nd is the design of the superstructure energy production system to cover the respective consumption profile and the 3rd addresses the economic feasibility of the proposed system.…”

“…The case of Kimmeria, Xanthi, as presented in Part A of the current study, is used [9]. As approached in the 1st layer of HDLM [9], the total thermal energy required for the complex of the 8 buildings of the University's student residencies is 1814.48 MWh th /year.…”

“…The case of Kimmeria, Xanthi, as presented in Part A of the current study, is used [9]. As approached in the 1st layer of HDLM [9], the total thermal energy required for the complex of the 8 buildings of the University's student residencies is 1814.48 MWh th /year. That yearly thermal energy demand refers to the thermal energy demand for the heating season with no transmission losses included in the calculation.…”

“…Thus, an a priori approach is introduced in most cases to reduce the effort needed. By using an a priori approach, the designer is required to have extensive knowledge of the system under study and to acknowledge the fact that the final solution on the superstructure system might be sub-optimal [8,9]. Existing approaches in the literature include Multi Integer Linear Programming (MILP) techniques [7], superstructurebased systems [8], multi-criteria technology-relevant analysis [10] such as the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) methodology implementation in urban-level energy system selection [11].…”

“…In this study, a superstructure-based approach is considered to design a DTESS for a TLEC located in Kimmeria, Greece. The proposed methodology is part of a three-layer approach (Hierarchically Dependent Layering Methodology -HDLM) from which, the first of the three layers was presented in [9]. The second and third layer are presented in the current study and their aim is to design the DTESS in a way that addresses the prosumers' demands (second layer) with the development of a superstructure system, and to assess the economic feasibility of the proposed design (third layer).…”