Smart Energy Systems

Abstract

Smart energy systems are a concept to support the design of coherent and sustainable energy supply strategies. A smart energy system is a combination of the currently isolated energy sectors, such as electricity, heating and transport, and it includes three smart energy grid infrastructures, namely the electricity, thermal and gas grids. These grids connect the energy resources with the demands, energy production, energy storage and interconnection points. When these grids and sectors are analysed in detail and assessed as one coherent energy system, a number of synergies can be identified across the sectors, which an approach that considers only one or two sectors could not have done. The two studies ‘IDA's Energy Vision 2050’ and ‘Smart Energy Europe’ are used as case studies to demonstrate and discuss the potential of the smart energy approach. In these studies, different storage options are considered and analysed, and generally it is found that hydroelectric storage, batteries in electric vehicles, thermal storage in district heating systems and storage of renewable electrofuels are important and provide a cost-efficient flexibility to the overall energy system. However, large-scale batteries on the grid level and stationary batteries in buildings are not found feasible in an energy system perspective.

From Carbon Calculators to Energy System Analysis in Cities

“…To achieve these sustainability factors, goals need to shift from focusing on the silo effects of individual measures on the energy supply chain, which are too simple, to complex effects in the [6]). The future energy system will be highly electrified and this requires that local energy sectors are integrated, creating numerous synergies via energy storages and flexibility [7]. Energy sectors are already beginning to become more integrated, with decentralized renewable energy, and sector coupling technologies such as electric vehicles [8].…”

“…This helps to model, and identify, opportunities for flexibility in the different energy grids. This inter-grid connection and integration with energy storages is a key element of the Smart Energy System [7]. EnergyPLAN has been used in numerous energy system studies, including city energy system analyses [28].…”

Parametric optimization of long-term multi-area heat and power production with power storage

“…The lacking heat can be produced by a HOB or alternatively heat can be drawn from storage. In both cases, coupling CHP with heat storages gives benefit [11]. A power storage also can improve the flexibility and efficiency of an energy system by storing power during low demand periods and discharging during peak demand periods and high power price.…”

“…In constraints (11)-(16), the free indices are implicitly quantified: time index (periods in the time horizon), (set of areas), and (set of procution units in area i). The heat balance (11) states that heat production , minus charging the storage by plus discharge from storage with an efficiency must match the local heat demand . The surplus variable allows disposal of excess heat production Power balance constraints (12) state that the power production together with power transmission and storage operation must meet power demand in each hour and area .…”

Unconventional Excess Heat Sources for District Heating in a National Energy System Context

“…With most countries having ratified the Paris Agreement [1] and thereby ensuring the long-term climate targets, the focus has turned towards technological solutions that can contribute to the realisation of the goals. A central concept introduced within recent years is the notion of smart energy systems [2,3]. The basic idea behind smart energy systems is to find the best solutions by applying a holistic approach, examining solutions across various energy infrastructures, namely electricy, heating and gas networks, but also different energy sectors such as transport and industries.…”