Abstract
This study focuses on improving the sustainability of electrical supply in the healthcare system in the UK, to contribute to current efforts made towards the 2050 net-zero carbon target. As a case study, we propose a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for a hospital in the south-east of England. Electrical consumption data were gathered from five wards in the hospital for a period of one year. PV-battery-grid system architecture was selected to ensure practical execution through the installation of PV arrays on the roof of the facility. Selection of the optimal system was conducted through a novel methodology combining multi-objective optimisation and data forecasting. The optimisation was conducted using a genetic algorithm with two objectives (1) minimisation of the levelised cost of energy and (2) CO2 emissions. Advanced data forecasting was used to forecast grid emissions and other cost parameters at two year intervals (2023 and 2025). Several optimisation simulations were carried out using the actual and forecasted parameters to improve decision making. The results show that incorporating forecasted parameters into the optimisation allows to identify the subset of optimal solutions that will become sub-optimal in the future and, therefore, should be avoided. Finally, a framework for choosing the most suitable subset of optimal solutions was presented.
Highlights
In a recent report [1], the National Health Service of the UK (NHS) outlined plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, with an 80% reduction by 2028–2032 compared to levels
This section outlines the methods adopted to conduct this study including the data used in the simulations, followed by the system architecture, emissions forecasting algorithm, and the mathematical modelling of the GC-hybrid renewable energy system (HRES)
The accuracy of the model is assisted by using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE)
Summary
In a recent report [1], the National Health Service of the UK (NHS) outlined plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, with an 80% reduction by 2028–2032 compared to levels. This amounts to around 6.1 MtCO2 e.The report calls for better utilisation of roof spaces to install on-site renewables, which could save up to 580 ktCO2 e annually. Given that the NHS generates 18% of all emissions deriving from the UK non-domestic buildings [3], adopting ambitious sustainability targets will lead to significant reductions in the carbon footprint of the entire UK. The simplest architecture is grid-PV architecture, where PV modules are connected in parallel to the grid via an inverter and supervised by a controller
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
