Abstract
Electrifying energy sectors using renewable rich electricity is one of the many decarbonization pathways being adopted to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among these, the heating and cooling sector, both energy and carbon intensive, is attracting a lot of attention. Power-to-heat technology (PtH) along with thermal energy storage systems is widely adopted to decarbonise this sector. However, increased penetration of PtH may cause congestion in existing electrical grid infrastructures, and hence needs for network upgrades. In this context, our paper presents a quantitative analysis on the impact of electrifying domestic dwellings (existing and new) in Ireland. The analysis encompasses costs, benefits, renewable power curtailment and regional distribution of optimal electrification of the housing stock. Analysis reveal significant grid expansion needs with increasing levels of PtH. This impact is pronounced without appropriate thermal storage. On the flip side, it leads to a more efficient utilisation of renewable energy by reducing curtailment.
Highlights
The residential sector is responsible for 25% of the energy consumed in Ireland, of which, space heating accounts for 61% to the total residential energy demand [1]
The mathematical model consists of the transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem integrated with the residential heating sector
This observation is in line with the optimal level of heat demand integration discussed earlier.With TES, changes in grid expansion needs becomes significant beyond 30 €/MWh
Summary
Index/set of all generators Index/set of all nodes Index/set of all lines Index/set of scenarios Index/set of operation states (e.g. hours) Set of existing/new lines Index/set of planning stages. Probability of a scenario Weight of an operational state (hours) Active power demand (MW) Interest rate (%). Active power flows in a line (MW) Active power production (MW) Unserved active power (MW) Active power losses (MW,) Active power demand by HP in new builds Active power demand by existing housing stock Actual heat demand (MJ). Expected cost of supplied energy (€) Expected emission cost (€) Network-related investment cost (€) Expected cost of unserved energy (€) Maintenance cost of generators (€) Network-related maintenance cost (€) Heat pump’s maintenance cost (€)
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