Polygeneration Microgrids for Residential Applications

Abstract

Considerable research is taking place globally concerning the energy consumption in residential buildings. The effort is aimed toward the creation of zero energy buildings or even positive energy ones. In order to accomplish this, energy production is needed at the building level. Electrical energy, thermal energy for space heating and cooling, and domestic hot water production are common needs globally, whereas water pumping, water desalination, and onsite fuel production are also of rising interest. The polygeneration microgrid topology aims at unifying all the energy systems in a building and through advanced energy management approaches to optimize the energy flows in the building managing to provide optimum indoor comfort, meeting of all the energy needs of the residents and minimizing the environmental impact of the building. This article presents this topology in detail and also proposes a methodology for the design and sizing of such systems.

Analysis of Biomass-fired Boilers in a Polygeneration System for a Hospital

“…Polygeneration and energy integration are promising tools for achieving better efficiency in the use of natural resources and, in most cases, also reducing the environmental impacts generated [2]. Examples of the application of polygeneration systems include the commercial [7][8][9], domestic [10][11], and industry [12][13] sectors Some consumption units, such as hospitals, exhibit high energy consumption and require continuous and simultaneous electric and thermal energy [14][15][16]. Therefore, hospitals are excellent units with potential for deploying polygeneration systems, as their comfort conditions and electricity, hot water, heating and air conditioning demands must be continuously met.…”

A Practical Methodology for Building a Municipality-Led Renewable Energy Community: A Photovoltaics-Based Case Study for the Municipality of Hersonissos in Crete, Greece

“…It is encouraging, however, that many studies exist that offer technical insights for facilitating informed decision-making in developing local RECs. Reis et al [16] took a successful step further on the use of multi-agent modeling techniques from exploring automated energy demand management or end-user-centric controlled smart meters for residential settings [17][18][19] to the investigation of the dynamics of an REC with residential and non-residential members. Their method allowed a better understanding of community self-sufficiency and economic benefits sharing under different business scenarios.…”