Decentralized Energy Generation Research Articles

TECHNOLOGICAL PROSPECTION OF THE USAGE OF BARU FRUIT (DIPTERYX ALATA VOG.) TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF QUILOMBOLAS, EXTRACTIVIST COMMUNITIES IN BRAZIL

Barueiro (Dipteryx alata Vog.) is an arboreal plant species native to Brazil's fertile Cerrado region. holds great promise for cultivation and technological development due to its versatile uses and the complete reuse of its parts. Given its local significance, increased research support is essential, as the species has the potential to generate high-value products and offer a sustainable income source for its producers. This study is a prospective analysis of articles and patents on barueiro (baru fruit), highlighting that most technologies have low technological readiness levels (TRL 3-4) and remain at the bench stage, with most patents filed by universities. Collaboration between extractive communities and academia is crucial for knowledge transfer, cooperative creation, and project development for processing centers, training, and decentralized energy generation, thereby supporting SDGs and circular economy principles by adding value and improving community well-being. Once these cooperatives and processes are established, applying for geographical indication could further enhance the value of baru-based products.

Hybrid Renewable Systems for Small Energy Communities: What Is the Best Solution?

This research developed smart integrated hybrid renewable systems for small energy communities and applied them to a real system to achieve energy self-sufficiency and promote sustainable decentralized energy generation. It compares stand-alone (SA) and grid-connected (GC) configurations using a developed optimized mathematical model and data-driven optimization, with economic analysis of various renewable combinations (PV, Wind, PHS, BESS, and Grid) to search for the optimal solution. Four cases were developed: two stand-alone (SA1: PV + Wind + PHS, SA2: PV + Wind + PHS + BESS) and two grid-connected (GC1: PV + PHS + Grid, GC2: Wind + PHS + Grid). GC2 shows the most economical with stable cash flow (−€123.2 annually), low CO2 costs (€367.2), and 91.7% of grid independence, requiring 125 kW of installed power. While GC options had lower initial investments (between €157k to €205k), the SA configurations provided lower levelized costs of energy (LCOE) ranging from €0.039 to €0.044/kWh. The integration of pumped hydropower storage enhances energy independence, supporting peak loads for up to two days with a storage capacity of 2.17 MWh.

Optimal design of renewable energy communities (RECs) in Italy: Influence of composition, market signals, buildings, location, and incentives

In Europe the concept of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) renovates the need for decentralized energy generation among citizens and companies. The corresponding legal framework enables the creation of business models that shall support environmental, economic and social benefits, provided that adequate planning accounting for the local conditions is executed. The present work is focused on a thermal-electric co-simulation approach for the analysis of the energy exchanges within an Italian REC, aimed at sizing photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage systems. EnergyPlus is used to estimate the thermal and electric needs of the community, whose results are fed into the “EnergyCommunity.jl” tool for the design of the local power system. The influence of REC composition (prosumers/consumers), the building energy demands for heating, cooling, and appliances, the geography of the REC in Italian regions, the market data, and the total peak power of PV are examined. The self-consumed electricity, the energy shared among the community, and the social costs are evaluated in different scenarios, suggesting significant environmental and economic benefits for Energy Communities.

Wind energy harvesting with building-integrated ducted openings: CFD simulation and neural network optimization

Building-integrated wind energy harvesting offers a promising local and decentralized energy generation solution, reducing transmission losses and infrastructure expenses. However, the complex urban wind patterns demand accurate aerodynamic optimization for optimal performance. This study seeks to optimize the geometric design of building-integrated ducted openings to maximize wind energy harvesting. The research aims to create a data-driven model predicting the openings' performance accurately, explore the interlinked impacts of different geometrical variables, find optimal configurations across different building heights, and understand underlying aerodynamic mechanisms. The proposed design comprises a nozzle, throat, and diffuser. To increase power density, a data-driven design optimization method is employed. The optimization process involves determining the optimum opening height from the ground, along with five geometrical variables: inlet diameter, throat diameter, outlet diameter, nozzle length, and diffuser length. A comprehensive test matrix is developed using design of experiments (DoE) to build an artificial neural network (ANN) model. This neural network is developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations validated with experimental data. Subsequently, a gradient-based global optimization method fine-tunes the neural network and identifies optimal designs for various heights. The research concludes that nozzle and diffuser opening angles within the range of 19° ≤ ΦNoz ≤ 23°and 7.5° ≤ ΦDif ≤ 8.2°, respectively, result in the optimal converging-diverging ducted opening geometry. This optimal opening can yield a power density increase of 31.5 to 35.5 times when compared to freestream flow and 17.5 to 22.4 times in comparison to cylindrical openings, depending on the opening location along the building height.

A review on the microgrid sizing and performance optimization by metaheuristic algorithms for energy management strategies

A growing concern over climate change and the depletion of conventional energy resources have led to the urgent need for sustainable and resilient energy solutions. The optimization of the size of renewable sources is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness. In contrast to conventional single-objective optimization, the multi-objective technique aims to achieve a trade-off between energy cost and power supply reliability. Due to this need, microgrids (MG) have emerged as a promising paradigm, allowing for localized and decentralized energy generation and distribution. Consequently, the conventional techniques for modelling and optimizing exhibit numerous limitations as the power grid continues to produce substantial volumes of high-dimensional and diverse data types. This review paper examines the use of metaheuristic algorithms in the context of multi-objective energy optimization for hybrid renewable energy-integrated microgrids. A comparative analysis of diverse metaheuristic algorithms for microgrid optimization is provided in this paper, which emulates natural phenomena, such as evolutionary processes and swarm dynamics. Based on the findings of case studies, it can be concluded that trade-offs exist between various objectives, eventually leading to the development of both resilient and efficient microgrid designs. By reviewing sustainable energy solutions, and advocating microgrids as viable alternatives to conventional centralized power systems, the review enhances the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

Smart city neighbourhood beyond branding

The article aims to address strategies, and the innovation behind smart neighbourhoods in Europe by leveraging technology and data to make cities more efficient, livable, and sustainable as the current need of urban development. The article’s focus point is the assessment of project cases in Aspern (Vienna), Brainport (Eindhoven), Santa Gulia (Milan), Harbor City (Oslo), Hafen City (Hamburg), and Nordhavn (Copenhagen), to showcase the most driven factors for planning and designing smart neighbourhoods. The study explores various literature for designing smart neighbourhoods that serve as a starting point of smart city initiatives for the urban development of smart cities and should continue beyond city boundaries to entail decentralized energy generation systems, electric charging stations, electric vehicles, and storage facilities which contribute on the neighbourhoods’ development. Conversely, it was also apparent that all of the plans for smart neighborhoods are still being implemented, that there is a lot of experimentation going on, and that the neighborhoods are continuously being improved to better serve their communities. Overall, the included smart neighbourhoods have demonstrated several approaches to being intelligent and sustainable by continuously aiming to develop in higher smart levels such as providing a more sustainable and eco-friendly life for its citizens through a variety of projects. By combining these approaches, smart neighbourhoods can continue to progress, which will significantly improve the quality of life for those who live there.

An approach to prosumer modeling and financial assessment with load clustering algorithm in an active power distribution network

The trend towards decentralized energy generation, particularly evident at the final consumer level, is influencing the electric industry. Although this transformation is more tailored to the needs of individual prosumers and microgrids than large consumers and industries, it remains a significant element in the evolving landscape of energy systems, where prosumers can obtain financial benefits through specific strategies. However, existing literature largely perceives prosumers as being linked to photovoltaic-home-battery energy storage systems using the average historical time-interval load profiles of various countries without analyzing load patterns. Moreover, the existing literature shows that deterministic approaches are unsuitable for analyzing load patterns due to possible biased results. This study identifies and analyzes load patterns through clustering and demand curve analysis, using K-means clustering and Gaussian mixture modeling techniques to address limitations. New strategies of prosumer dispatch models for six load patterns are proposed for improved revenue generation from excess energy: (1) dispatch model with optimum self-consumption and (2) dispatch model with a peak-shaving algorithm. Model (1) provides moderate profits, whereas model (2) provides a higher profit and self-sufficiency rate. The model proposed by this study optimizes energy usage, while self-consumption is shown to vary considerably between load patterns.

Efficient design of energy microgrid management system: A promoted Remora optimization algorithm-based approach

Microgrids are a promising solution for decentralized energy generation and distribution, offering reliability, efficiency, and resilience. These small-scale power systems can operate independently or connect to the main grid, providing greater reliability and resilience. However, integrating renewable energy into microgrids presents challenges due to their unpredictable nature and fluctuating load of electricity. Energy management strategies play a crucial role in optimizing the operation of microgrids, aiming to balance electricity supply and demand, maximize renewable energy utilization, and minimize operational costs. Various approaches have been proposed for energy management in microgrids, including optimization algorithms, machine learning techniques, and intelligent control systems. This study proposes an optimized and efficient strategy for microgrids operating in both independent and grid-connected modes, focusing on microgrids that utilize a combination of solar and green energy sources. The proposed approach, based on the Promoted Remora Optimization (PRO) algorithm, aims to meet load power requirements at the lowest possible cost while ensuring constant DC bus voltage and safeguarding batteries against overcharging and depletion. The CRO method effectively optimized the charging process, maintaining a consistent level of charge and achieving a final SoC of 33.37 %–33.60 %. It also demonstrated high system efficiency, with an average of 87.99 %, and a range of 87.80 %–88.03 %. The optimizer efficiency ranged from 83.12 % to 86.52 %, with an average of 86.46 %. The CRO method also achieved reasonable operating costs, with a cost per power of $0.1687/kW to $0.1699/kW and a daily cost of $1,379,595 to $1,479,998. Overall, the CRO method showed promise in optimizing the charging process in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Comparative analysis with existing literature is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, demonstrating its superior results compared to other energy management strategies for microgrids. This study contributes to the field of microgrid energy management by providing a novel approach based on the PRO algorithm and demonstrating its effectiveness through comparative analysis.

Optimal sizing and technical assessment of a hybrid renewable energy solution for off-grid community center power

Decentralized energy generation systems based on renewable sources have significant potential to assist in the sustainable development of developing countries. The small-scale integration of hybrid renewable energy systems in off-grid communities has not been thoroughly researched. The primary objective is to develop a preliminary design for a PV/biogas hybrid system that can meet the energy needs of an off-grid community center. A survey was conducted to calculate the energy demands of an off-grid community center and a hybrid renewable system has been designed to supply the electricity. The optimum designed system is evaluated by the PVSYST simulation software and SuperPro Designer software. The annual production of the PV system is 34428 kWh/year, specific production is 1118 kWh/kWp/year, and the performance ratio is 81.72%. All the factors that contribute to energy loss are considered in designing a PV system. The average operating efficiency of the inverter is 92.6%, and global inverter losses are 2752.4 kWh. The biogas simulation findings show an adequate match with the composition of conventional biogas and contains 89.64% methane and 5.99% carbon dioxide content. Two sensitivity analyses of biogas based on hydraulic retention time and moisture content have been performed. Measurements readings of hourly data are used to analyse the performance of PV, biogas system as well as the hybrid system performance. At day time, the maximum power generation of the hybrid PV/Biogas and the maximum load demand of the community at that time are 25.2 kW and 24.31 kW, respectively. At night time, the maximum power generation of the hybrid system and the maximum load demand are 9 kW and 8.3 kW, respectively. The power factor (PF) of the system fluctuates between 0.92 and 0.98 and the frequency of the system is constant at 50 HZ.

Rural electrification and optimization of biogas–solar–wind hybrid system for decentralized energy generation in India: a case study of Ringhim village, Sikkim

Rural electrification and optimization of biogas–solar–wind hybrid system for decentralized energy generation in India: a case study of Ringhim village, Sikkim

Decentralized Energy Generation for Sustainable Energy Development in EU

Human history has been the story of the constant search for energy, e.g., in terms of food conversion to energy. Early on in its origins, humankind has had to satisfy its energy demand through available energy resources. Although the use of non-renewable energy sources has been perpetuated over time, there are currently many strategies implemented by states to develop energy transition for sustainable development. An example of this is the emergence of decentralization initiatives such as prosumers and energy communities. Within the European Union, the Directives 2018/2001 and 2019/944 open a broad regulatory framework for this type of practice. In the face of the challenges imposed by the so-called energy transition towards more environmentally friendly forms of energy (= ‘green energy’) and climate change, energy democracy plays a key role. These initiatives have currently yielded important results where individuals and communities have become increasingly empowered and have become important actors in energy generation from renewable energy sources. The general objective of this research is to substantiate the need for decentralized energy generation transitions. The main results of the research are the assessment of the legal framework for initiatives in decentralized energy generation in the European Union and the identification of good practices in the European context. energy decentralization initiatives, sustainable energy development, European Union, Energy Law, Energy Policy, energy prosumerism, energy communities, EU Law, energy market, energy consumer empowerment

Decentralized energy in flexible energy system: Life cycle environmental impacts in Belgium

Decentralized energy systems enable a higher integration of electricity generation by renewable energy sources supported by electric storage and may significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions for electricity generation. While the environmental impact of single technologies has received great attention in recent years, the environmental impacts of decentralized energy generation and storage technologies remain unaddressed. This study presents a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of those technologies in Belgium for 2030 and 2050. The system technologies comprise single-Si photovoltaic installations combined with lithium-ion and second-life batteries. To compile the life cycle inventory (LCI), energy balances are built based on a Belgian impact energy model. The flexibility of the energy system is introduced by different EV charging strategies and distinct modes of stationary battery storage with the Belgium electricity grid, represented by four different scenarios: i) low flexibility, ii) medium flexibility, iii) high flexibility, and iv) high flexibility with high prosumer potential (PPH). The midpoint impact categories climate change, land use, mineral resource scarcity and terrestrial ecotoxicity of ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment method are analyzed. The decentralized energy generation and storage technologies in Belgium in 2050 result in 64.51 gCO2eq/kWh of consumed electricity for the medium flexibility scenario, representing a 72 % decrease compared to 2014. However, these reductions are driven by changes in the national electricity mix. Land use impacts are also reduced, up to 72 % for the high flexibility PPH scenario. In contrast, mineral resource scarcity and terrestrial ecotoxicity rise over time in the high flexibility PPH scenario in 2050 to 46 % and 66 %, respectively. A perturbation analysis is conducted to assess the sensitivity of the results, showing solar irradiation as the most sensitive parameter. One way to further reduce the environmental impacts of decentralized energy systems could be to investigate new strategies for the end-of-life of photovoltaic installations and batteries.

Optimal Real-time implementation of fuzzy logic control strategy for performance enhancement of autonomous microgrids

Distributed power grid systems require more intelligent and adaptable control management and optimization to preserve the best performance. These balance the generated power source and load demand even during severe interruptions. This research proposes a comparative analysis of an autonomous microgrid system optimized by fuzzy logic control and proportional-integral controller. The microgrid fuzzy logic control parameters are designed using the African vulture and Particle swarm optimization algorithms. At the same time, the proportional-integral controller is designed by using the Gorilla troops optimization algorithm. The suggested microgrid control techniques are verified using a MATLAB/Simulink environment. The overall system's detailed modeling and control methodologies are also presented. The investigation of the fuzzy logic control approach is also tested in a real-time setting. It is implemented by using OPAL real-time 4510 rapid control prototyping. The attained results prove the superiority of the fuzzy logic controller based on the African vulture optimization technique compared with other optimal control techniques. It is applied to give an ideal design for the fuzzy logic control parameters to preserve adequate power to the different loads. The proposed optimal controller is able to bring a robust and effective control with an accuracy of approximately 4%, 5%, 28%, and 26% than other techniques under different scenarios.Index Terms: African Vultures Optimization algorithm (AVOA), Autonomous Microgrid, Decentralized energy generation, Fuzzy Logic Control, Opal RT-LAB, Proportional plus integral controller.

Would you add some kWhs to your food order? A forward-looking perspective on the energy landscape disruption portrayed by future actors in a distributed system

Distributed energy systems (DES), made possible by decentralized energy generation and management, are growing in number and present opportunities for cheaper, cleaner, and prevalent energy supplies to local energy consumers and communities. The emergence of these systems reshuffles the traditional hierarchical, well-defined electric power structure to a flatter, multi-actor, modular market. This transition brings new actors and innovative business models, blurring the boundaries between energy producers and consumers. Such changes may call for adaptation of energy policies and governance procedures, currently prioritizing incumbent actors. This study explores and highlights the possible need for a novel approach to define DES actors and their roles to ensure effective governance by the different stakeholders. The findings of this study are based on forward-looking perspectives from academic experts and industry practitioners, indicating a diminishing influence by the incumbent actors in the future DES market, alongside mixed and diversified roles by a future actor. Furthermore, the analysis indicates a sound expectation that non-energy actors will diversify their business to play a role in a disrupted future DES market. The characteristics, roles, and motivations of such future actors will differ from current actors in the energy market. This also requires careful attention to ensure the adequacy of the models and theories governing the power system in such a new market. Based on the innovative disruption theory, we take the first stance to propose a new actor classification and mapping concept that can capture the ongoing market and actor dynamics.

Fühler‐im‐Netz: A smart grid and power line communication data set

AbstractThe increasing complexity of low‐voltage networks poses a growing challenge for the reliable and fail‐safe operation of electricity grids. The reasons for this include an increasingly decentralised energy generation (photovoltaic systems, wind power etc.) and the emergence of new types of consumers (e‐mobility, domestic electricity storage etc.). At the same time, the low‐voltage grid is largely unmonitored and local power failures are sometimes hard to detect. To overcome this, power line communication (PLC) has emerged as a potential solution for reliable monitoring of the low‐voltage grid. In addition to establishing a communication infrastructure, PLC also offers the possibility of evaluating the cables themselves, as well as the connection quality between individual cable distributors based on their signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The roll‐out of a large‐scale PLC infrastructure therefore not only ensures communication, but also introduces a tool for monitoring the entire network. To evaluate the potential of this data, we installed 38 PLC modems in three different areas of a German city with a population of about 150,000 as part of the Fühler‐im‐Netz (FiN) project. Over a period of 22 months, an SNR spectrum of each connection between adjacent PLC modems was generated every quarter of an hour. The availability of this real‐world PLC data opens up new possibilities to react to the increasingly complex challenges in future smart grids. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the data generation and describes how the data was collected during normal operation of the electricity grid. In addition, we present common anomalies, effects, and trends that could be observed in the PLC data at daily, weekly, or seasonal levels. Finally, we discuss potential use cases and the remote inspection of a cable section is highlighted as an example.

Thermal insulating walls based on Ti3C2TX as energy storage panels for future smart house

Sustainable decentralized energy generation and storage in the cities are critical for a sustainable future. Here we design a smart energy storage device based on thermal insulation and MXene (Ti3C2Tx) for powered future smart homes. The modified surface of a common thermal insulation wall (TIW) using Ti3C2Tx and polyaniline (PANI) by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer serves as an energy storage device in the wall and, at the same time, maintains the temperature inside the house. The as-fabricated PANI@Ti3C2Tx-TIW-based supercapacitor exhibited high specific capacitance with outstanding rate capability, cyclic stability, mechanical stability, and power density, and functions in extreme temperatures (−15 °C to 45 °C). Further, the device was integrated into real rock mineral wool insulation to develop a future house energy storage system that can store electricity in the house wall and supply power to operate emergency evacuation and alert devices in the event of a disaster.

Electricity Usage Settlement System Based on a Cryptocurrency Instrument

This article reviews the issue of the use of cryptocurrencies (crypto-assets, in general) for an electricity settlement system. The development of digital techniques, including blockchain-based mechanisms, has meant that an increased interest in blockchain-based solutions is to be expected. Blockchain and similar approaches are characterised by decentralisation, so they are concurrent with the trends of the transforming power sector. Decentralised energy generation based on a high proportion of prosumer installations requires the implementation of a new settlement system for grid activities related to electricity use. The first projects of such systems based on a dedicated cryptocurrency have emerged. Based on these, the general concept of such a system with its own cryptocurrency called CCE is presented, including variants implementing net-metering and net-billing. Furthermore, issues requiring interdisciplinary research work and discussion before implementing such systems were identified. A settlement system in which a cryptocurrency is linked to a unit of energy used could be a first step towards introducing a new universal means of value exchange, linked to energy as the primary measure of the value of goods.

Modelling and Implementation of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System for a Stand-Alone Application

Rapidly developing modern energy systems incorporate significant contributions from renewable sources. The recent adoption of distributed generation sources and microgrids powered by renewable sources such as solar cells, tidal wind, and fuel cells is one of the primary causes of rising global energy demand. Integration of different energy sources into a hybrid system is envisioned as a viable solution for decentralized energy generation. Consequently, this study aims to integrate two energy sources with storage devices to construct a hybrid renewable energy system that will provide reliable electricity for remote and off-grid installations in the Sabon Gida Community of Kaduna State. This will contribute to the attainment of the seventh United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (Affordable and clean energy) (UN). This study utilized the Felicity PV panel. Its cell specifications are as follows: Peak power 175Wp, Open-circuit voltage (VOC) 21.6V, Maximum power current Imp 9.72A, Maximum power voltage Vmp 18V, short-circuits current Isc 10.2A, operating cell temperature Tc 250C, and Ideality factor Am 1.5. For the wind turbine, a model WT-400 with a rated power of 400W, 12V output voltage, and a wind controller with a standby current of 3.6mA, rated at 12/24V auto output voltage were utilized. The maximum power output of the PV energy model based on the specified weather variable was 620watts, whereas the maximum power output of the wind turbine energy model based on the selected wind speed was 301watts. Based on design calculations, the projected load demand for the location under consideration was 304 watts. The prototype was implemented, tested, and validated. The test results indicate that the output power was sufficient to fulfil the load requirements of the chosen location.

Energy from livestock waste: Using circular economy and territorial intelligence to build sustainable businesses

Pig waste can be used to generate energy through biogas and has been gaining importance for being a renewable energy source. The resulting biogas can be used in many forms, such as to produce electricity and supply local networks using microgrids. This helps bring greater stability and energy security to local electricity supply networks. Under this light, this article aims to (i) report on socio-environmental impacts, (ii) present lessons learned (from a circular economy and territorial intelligence perspective), and (iii) point out future business opportunities of value recovery from waste in rural properties. To that end, a case study was carried out in a rural property in Paraná, Brazil. The authors conducted local visits and surveys, and consulted documents provided by the property owners about projects making use of biogas produced from pig waste and used to generate electricity. Different partnerships between the property and public and private bodies enable business opportunities arising from projects that range from the commercialization of carbon credits, decentralized energy generation, to sale of energy to the State's energy provider and establishing Microgrids. From those projects, direct and indirect environmental and social benefits are primarily related to the replacement of non-renewable energy with renewable energy from waste, and impacts avoided from the inadequate handling of pig waste. The results show that it is possible to explore the energy potential of rural properties, based on livestock waste, by developing partnerships with public and private actors, producing energy from biogas, from circular economy and territorial intelligence perspectives.

A Memory Based Current Algorithm for Pole-to-Pole Fault Detection in Microgrids

Abstract: The world’s growing attention to sustainable energy and development can be causal to the recently observed disrupt in the existing global power system networks. Moreover, an additional incentive towards this change are the challenges associated with the traditional power grid, including its rigid structure, aging architecture, and ecologically profligate nature. Modern power systems have observed a rapidly growing trend of decentralized energy generation in the recent past. A prominent structure incorporating decentralized energy generation and renewable energy are microgrids. While microgrids promote on-site generation and distributed energy resources (DERs), their unique characteristics of bidirectional flow of power, renewable generational intermittency, and varying levels of current causes challenges uncommon to the traditional grid. One of the vital challenges associated with microgrids is the protection of microgrids against faults and disturbances that can cause impairment to life and property. Conventional protection algorithms are ineffective in protecting the system from faults due to the unconventional topology of the microgrid. This paper attempts to contribute to work in the sector related to the protection of microgrids. This paper presents the pole-to-pole fault analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic system and presents a current based algorithm for the detection of DC pole-to-pole faults in the system under study. The protection algorithm is further verified on a hybrid Photovoltaic-Wind-Battery microgrid. Keywords: DC Faults, Hybrid Microgrids, Power Systems, Protection Algorithm, DERs