Renewable Energy System Controlled by Open-Source Tools and Digital Twin Model: Zero Energy Port Area in Italy

Sofia Agostinelli,Giuseppe Piras,Meysam Majidi Nezhad,Giuseppe Orsini,Fabrizio Cumo

doi:10.3390/en15051817

Abstract

The present paper deals with an infrastructure digitization policy to optimize maintenance processes and energy efficiency to transform port areas to ZED (Zero Energy District). The Lazio Region started the process for all its ports in 2020. The Anzio port started and developed as a pilot project as it is a particularly representative sample for the Mediterranean Sea reality due to its geomorphological conformation. The study aimed to develop energy-saving procedures and strategies and integrate production systems from Renewable Energy Systems (RESs) for sustainable mobility. In the article, these strategies are described in detail and energy analysis is carried out, starting from the current state and demonstrating the potential energy self-sufficiency of the infrastructure. Finally, the investigation’s potential utilizing a Digital Twin (DT) of the area is highlighted. Furthermore, the BIM (Building Information Modeling) and GIS (Geographic Information System) combining possibility to maximize the energy efficiency measures beneficial impact are discussed.

Highlights

Increasing energy demand due to human society’s population growth has led to rising energy prices [1], pollution and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
Since many of the ports are located near large cities, they play an essential role in air pollution [6–8]
This study aims to develop energy-saving and increase energy efficiency methods and strategies using the Renewable Energy Systems (RESs) integration production systems in the energy ports

Summary

Introduction

Increasing energy demand due to human society’s population growth has led to rising energy prices [1], pollution and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. In this case, energy costs can be a significant overhead for ports [2]. Reducing GHG emissions and air pollution directly contributes to ports sustainability and green landscape [3]. Energy efficiency has a critical role for ports to reduce energy consumption and provide environmentally friendly services. Reducing GHG and pollutant emissions directly results from energy efficiency, equipment electrification, alternative fuels [11] and RESs. Along with increasing operational efficiency, these aspects can form a large part of the ports concept in the generation [12]

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion