Genetic sizing optimization of residential multi-carrier energy systems: The aim of energy autarky and its cost

Abstract

The energy transition process fosters decentralized renewable energy generation and is characterized by an increased effort to achieve energy autarky. In this context, residential-size, photovoltaic-based multi-carrier energy systems using hydrogen as seasonal storage are analyzed as a possible solution to gain energy autarky. A high temporal (15 min) and long-term (10 a) power flow simulation approach is applied to a multi-objective optimization algorithm to minimize costs and grid energy feed-out. Approximate pareto-optimal system configurations are analyzed regarding system sizing, energy autarky, and economic performance for three residential building types and four European locations. Building type and location strongly influence the techno-economic feasibility of approximate pareto-optimal system configurations. Low-Energy-Houses are technically and economically most feasible to reach autarky, while Single-Family and Multi-Family-Houses show available PV energy as main restricting factor, which becomes especially problematic at high latitude locations. Under current economic constraints, no cost-competitive autarky system could be identified. Low Energy Houses show the lowest additional cost of 172% compared to a Base system at the low-seasonality location, but cost-competitiveness is possible under certain cost projections within a time horizon of 2030–2035. The developed energy system model is open-source and can be used for future research in this context.