Abstract
A simulation tool (EcoSim) has been developed to analyse the economic and environmental aspects of the integration of several energy conversion units. For a given investment over 25 years, the tool calculates the self-consumption rate, the autonomy level, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and the CO2 emissions. A neighbourhood is modelled using the Rhino software. Then the dynamic simulation software, CitySim Pro, determines the hourly energy demand and solar PV generation. Finally, the techno-economic and environmental parameters are calculated using EcoSim. For this neighbourhood located in Basel, the self-consumption rate is maximised by combining solar PV and battery. With the sale of locally produced electricity to the residents of the neighbourhood, we have shown that the implementation of such a self-consumption community leads to a more economically profitable situation as compared to the current case where electricity is bought from an industrial company.
Highlights
Switzerland has decided to progressively withdraw from nuclear energy production; its focus is shifting to energy efficiency and renewable energies for electricity production
The techno-economic and environmental parameters are calculated using EcoSim. For this neighbourhood located in Basel, the self-consumption rate is maximised by combining solar PV and battery
PV generation profile The PV electricity generation can be determined by using the available irradiation obtained from the CitySim Pro software in hourly resolution by using a weather file for Basel
Summary
Switzerland has decided to progressively withdraw from nuclear energy production; its focus is shifting to energy efficiency and renewable energies for electricity production. Decentralized energy systems that combine different renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, batteries and heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular to establish more sustainable and autonomous buildings [1, 2]. With the new Energy Ordinance of 1st November 2017 that encourages the creation of a self-consumption community, solar photovoltaics (SPV) is becoming more and more attractive. Since January 1, 2018, it is possible to create a local solar community, which makes it possible to sell the locally produced electricity to the residents of the neighbourhood and to buy electricity directly from the grid at a wholesale price. Different strategies are adopted to maximise the self-consumption by using solar panels and other renewable energies while looking at the economic profitability
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