Resource Efficient Applications through Design and Optimization of High Performance Heat Pump Based Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Ireland’s Cool Marine Climate

Abstract

Concern about security of energy supply, sustainability and climate change continues to motivate resource conscious communities to embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy. Although this transition is accelerating, many economic and technical challenges remain. This paper presents an overview of a proposed methodology, called HPHRES-IRL, to design and optimize hybrid renewable energy system. The development of thermal hybrid energy systems that combine two or more renewable sources have the potential to provide higher and more cost effective renewable energy fractions when the appropriate size and combination of systems are utilized. HP-HRES-IRL methodology employs artificial intelligence tools for resource and climate data analysis in order to design and optimize systems that deliver low grade thermal energy in Ireland’s cool marine climate. The methodology uses measured weather and thermal energy consumption data from both a public building and an industrial process over two years (2008 and 2009). Results prove the significant capital cost reductions with multi-source and show confidence in the use of the methodology and its capability to outline the most capital cost effective roadmap for a transition towards 100% renewable energy systems.