District multi-energy systems: A comprehensive review of configurations, technologies, and performances

Abstract

The energy consumption of buildings is responsible for about 37% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Although the challenge of reducing this huge carbon emission attracts numerous research projects, only a small fraction of them focusses on the configuration and performance of multi-energy systems at a district scale. District multi-energy systems (D-MESs) are considered a favorable route to integrate various energy sources/vectors and activate synergies among them, which cannot only meet the changing energy supply structure and user demands but also promote the efficient use of renewable resources. This systematic review elaborates on the state-of-the-art configurations and performance of D-MESs in mixed-use districts in terms of energy generation, distribution, and storage. Firstly, it presents a clear set of definitions related to district multi-energy systems by analyzing the background frameworks and terminologies. Then, case studies of different D-MES configurations are categorized and analyzed in terms of generation, distribution, and storage solution. In each subsection, technologies are evaluated with respect to the energy, environmental, and economic benefits. Lastly, the future perspective is provided based on the present state of D-MESs. This paper aims to outline current research gaps, such as integrating various energy vectors and investigating the mismatches. It also aims to provide a comprehensive overview of configurations and technologies to promote more effective planning and managing solutions.