Mapping Flexibility of Urban Energy Systems (FIRST) project: Rationale and study design of an exploratory project

D Aelenei,H Gonçalves,F Costa,T Simões,R Amaral Lopes,L Aelenei,J Martins,N Majdalani,C Silva

doi:10.1088/1755-1315/294/1/012015

Abstract

With the publication of the new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, a large number of buildings are expected to become high energy performance and explore more the availability of renewable energy resources. Such buildings are often described in literature as nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB). Because renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, have an intrinsic variability, the zero-energy annual balance of nZEBs is difficult to reach at short time resolution (e.g. hourly). Thus, since electricity generation from small-scale solar renewable (typical case in Portugal) in individual households has limited capacity to be adjusted according to the power system needs, it is relevant to consider the demand flexibility potential, specially at community level (cluster of buildings). Unfortunately, there is a lack of studies on the impact of changes in electricity use at urban level on the future energy systems. Therefore, an approach addressing the energy flexibility (EF) in buildings may allow obtaining useful exploratory directions for the construction sector and related markets, policy makers and regulatory bodies. For these reasons, an exploratory project aimed at examining the potential of EF at the level of an existent neighbourhood in Lisbon was initiated. In this article we describe the objectives, design, and methods of the FIRST project, designed to map out the potential for EF in terms of benefits and costs in Lisbon.

Highlights

With the publication in 2018 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast and the implementation of a new building code in Portugal, it is expected that a large number of buildings will become high energy performance and exploit at the same time the available renewable energy resources
In this article we describe the objectives, design, and methods of the FIRST project, designed to map out the potential for energy flexibility (EF) in terms of benefits and costs in Lisbon
The concept is yet to be defined in the context of Portuguese strategic frame, such buildings have been described in literature as nearly Zero-Energy Buildings

Summary

Introduction

With the publication in 2018 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) recast and the implementation of a new building code in Portugal, it is expected that a large number of buildings will become high energy performance and exploit at the same time the available renewable energy resources. The concept is yet to be defined in the context of Portuguese strategic frame, such buildings have been described in literature as nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB). Considering the prosumer’s role, the relationship between these types of buildings and the supply grid is much more complex than a regular building which only withdraws energy from the grid. Because renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have an intrinsic variability, it is difficult to reach an equilibrium between energy generation and consumption, especially at short time resolution.

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion