Possibilities of Transition from Centralized Energy Systems to Distributed Energy Sources in Large Polish Cities

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the possible transition routes from the existing centralized energy systems in Polish cities to modern low-emission distributed energy systems based on locally available energy sources, mainly solar energy. To evaluate these possibilities, this paper first presents the current structure of energy grids and heating networks in Polish cities. A basic review of energy consumption in the building sector is given, with emphasis on residential buildings. This paper deals with the evaluation of the effectiveness of operation of central district heating systems and heat distribution systems; predicts the improvement in the effectiveness of the energy production, distribution, and use; and analyzes the possible integration of the existing system with distributed energy sources. The possibility of the introduction of photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce energy consumption by residential buildings in a big city (Warsaw) is analyzed. It is assumed that some residential buildings, selected because of their good solar insolation conditions, can be equipped with new PV installations. Electricity produced by the PV systems can be used on site and/or transferred to the grid. PV energy can be used not only for lighting and electrical appliances in homes but also to drive micro- and small-scale heat pumps. It is assumed that the PV modules are located on roofs of residential buildings and are treated as individual micro scale energy systems of installed capacity not larger than 50 kW for each of the buildings. In such a case, the micro energy system can use the grid as a virtual electricity store of 70% or 80% efficiency and can produce and transfer electricity using a net-metering scheme. The results show that the application of micro-scale PV systems would help residential buildings to be more energy efficient, reduce energy consumption based on fossil fuels significantly, and even if the grid cannot be used as a virtual electricity store then the direct self-consumption of buildings can reduce their energy consumption by 30% on average. Development of micro-scale PV systems seems to be one of the most efficient options for a quick transformation of the centralized energy system in large Polish cities to a distributed energy one based on individual renewable energy sources.

Possibilities of Upgrading Warsaw Existing Residential Area to Status of Positive Energy Districts

“…It supplies heat to over 80% of buildings in the city. Heat is produced in co-generation, and coal is the main energy fuel [22]. Polish district heating…”

“…It supplies heat to over 80% of buildings in the city. Heat is produced in co-generation, and coal is the main energy fuel [22]. Polish district heating systems are high temperature systems since they can supply steam with temperatures of 120 • C. The present state and planned development of Warsaw's district heating system is presented in Figure 8 and it is mainly for residential purposes.…”

Smart Cities and Positive Energy Districts: Urban Perspectives in 2020

“…This Editorial article provides a summary of the Special Issue of Energies, covering the published papers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] which address several of the topics mentioned in the Introduction. Table 1 identifies the most relevant topics in each published paper.…”

“…In [6], Dorota Chwieduk et al evaluate the possible transition routes from the existing centralized energy systems in Polish cities to modern low emission distributed energy systems based on locally available energy sources, mainly solar energy. The evaluation of these possibilities is based first on the presentation of the current structure of energy grids and heating networks in Polish cities, then a basic review of energy consumption in the building sector is given with the emphasis on residential buildings.…”

Innovative Carbon Mitigation Techniques to Achieve Environmental Sustainability Agenda: Evidence from a Panel of 21 Selected R&D Economies

“…DES improve energy delivery systems and operations for managing electricity and its storage system to support a sustainable energy mix worldwide. There is a need for a global shift towards a sustainable resilience energy system that helps displace coal, gas, and oil resources with alternative sources of renewable energy, including solar panels and wind turbine manufacturing [6,7].…”