Abstract
Energy Communities (ECs) are gaining a key role in supporting the transition towards a low carbon economy in EU, since they combine the promotion of efficient energy practices with an expected positive social impact. Legislators are resorting to the concept of collective self-consumption as a tool to favor the electrification of energy needs and the diffusion of renewable energy sources. This work presents the first results in this field of the ENERGYNIUS project, co-funded by Regione Emilia-Romagna, focusing on the economic feasibility of investment decisions that would increase energy efficiency and renewables’ penetration in the household sector. To this purpose, a mathematical model has been developed, featuring an hourly time step definition of the internal and external energy exchanges and an accurate modelling of the electricity billing. It has been applied to an Italian condominium case study where the energy requirements of the inhabitants – in terms of electricity, heating, cooling and private transportation – have been considered. Thanks to the model, it is possible to compare increasing levels of electrification (e.g., photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, electric vehicles and batteries) and assess the benefits of collective selfconsumption on the condominium cash flows and environment (fossil CO2 emissions).
Highlights
In order to guarantee a sustainable development, EU is promoting a transition towards a low carbon economy
In both the communitarian configurations, selfconsumption is recognized as a convenient practice and, maximized by the model
The thermal storage is discharged in the morning to match the heating demand, helped by the HP; it is re-charged by the HP during the afternoon, when the PV production is in excess with respect to the electricity demand
Summary
In order to guarantee a sustainable development, EU is promoting a transition towards a low carbon economy. Electricity is the energy carrier that, at the moment, can best suite both objectives; it can be extensively produced from RES and exploited in different energy sectors, above all heating, cooling and transportation (sector coupling), if the proper energy conversion and storage systems are used (see the concept of Smart Energy Systems [1]). To facilitate the spread of RES, great attention has recently been given to new players in the energy systems: the prosumers (i.e., the crasis of producers and consumers). They are consumers who invest in the installation of energy conversion and/or storage systems (e.g., PV and batteries), and selfconsume the electricity they produce. In order to enhance their positive impact on the environment and on the electricity distribution/transmission infrastructures, EU has introduced a further new figure: Energy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
