Future Energy Networks Research Articles

Human-Centered Design in the Energy Turnaround Project Enera – It Pays to Go Off the Beaten Track!

Abstract In this article, we give insights into the development of an ‘interface of energy’, which is developed as part of the energy turnaround project ‘enera’. This interface shall allow communication between the human and the future energy network which will be dominated by renewable energy sources and on-site power generation. We show how we applied Human-Centered Design methods to address the challenge of designing a user interface for an infrastructure that is still in development. Further, we show how this approach was successfully combined with public relations, such as feedback sessions on prototypes as part of an open Barcamp. We give insights into interviews, profiles, personas, public operations, user needs, prototyping and testing. As a special feature we conducted prototyping and prototype testing workshops in a residential house within the project region. These turned out to be very successful for many reasons, e. g., in that the natural environment served as a creative stimulator. Besides, the workshops had a lasting effect on the participants, who were members of the project as well as volunteers living in the project region.

Two-Level Distributed Demand-Side Management Using the Smart Energy Hub Concept

Demand-side management (DSM) and the integration of the energy hub concept as a main part of future energy networks play an essential role in the process of improving the efficiency and reliability of the power grids. In this paper, we consider a smart multi-carrier energy system in which users are equipped with energy storage and conversion devices (i.e., an energy hub). Users intend to reduce their energy payment by shifting energy consumption to off-peak hours and switching between different energy carriers. This system enables both users with shiftable loads and must-run loads to be active in a DSM program. We apply game theory to formulate the energy consumption and conversion for a distributed design. In this game, players employ their strategies to schedule energy consumption for appliances and conversion devices. We propose a novel algorithm which allows to solve this optimization problem which includes heat and electricity storage devices and multiple energy carriers for a system of interconnected hubs. The results show that using the proposed algorithm based on non-cooperative game formulation to connect a Smart Energy Hub (SEH) to a network can improve the performance of the whole network by reducing the peak-to-average ratio. Furthermore, users with and must-run loads can participate in this program by both switching between the electric and natural gas network and using storage devices.

A Taxonomy of Fabric Integrated Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage incorporated into the fabric of buildings could provide the opportunity to significantly improve the use of energy from renewable sources and take maximum advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs. If this kind of thermal storage is integrated into the structure of the building itself, the internal space of the building is not compromised and may be more cost-effective. In this paper, the authors present a taxonomy of currently available fabric-integrated thermal energy storage solutions based on a review of existing literature. The aim of this study is to map the range of extant design solutions for fabric-integrated thermal storage in buildings and detect any omissions. The taxonomy presented in this paper takes into consideration the interaction between the storage of thermal energy and the thermal zones of buildings, the methods and medium used to store thermal energy, and the storage temperature. Also considered here are the different architectural integration options, which the authors present through a catalogue of possible thermal energy storage locations. This paper also argues that an active storage system provides a means for energy systems in buildings to actively participate in future energy networks, which may require active load management to accommodate a high proportion of renewable technologies. Active storage allows the charge and discharge of the thermal energy stored within buildings when the energy is available and/or economically valuable. This kind of active participation is not possible with passive storage techniques.

Communication Modeling of Solar Home System and Smart Meter in Smart Grids

The future energy networks are envisioned to be green and clean with high penetration of renewable energy-based generators. The most promising type is solar energy which has immense potential around the globe. Solar home systems (SHSs) with rooftop solar panels are proliferating in urban cities as well as in distant rural areas. Possible interaction of SHS with utility grid will result in dynamic power flow which is a huge challenge for power utility authorities and consumers. The smart meters (SMs) are being deployed to make this possible through bi-directional energy and information exchange. In order to address this need, this paper develops the communication models of SHS and SM based on the IEC 61850 standard. These models provide standardized approach to these technologies and facilitate a series of functionalities, such as power flow control, demand response, and other ancillary services, using configured message exchange. The detailed models, their use cases and the messages are studied in detail. Furthermore, extensive simulations are run with riverbed modeler to investigate the dynamic performance. IEC 61850-based models of SHS and SM are implemented, message frames are developed according to use cases, and the functionalities mentioned earlier are run as scenarios. Finally, the performances of different communication technologies have been analyzed to estimate their adequacy for smart grid implementations.

Power Factor Improvement Using Automatic Power Factor Compensation (APFC) Device for Medical Industries in Malaysia

This paper present the project designed to correcting power factor for medical industries in Malaysia automatically. Which with hope to make the cost and energy usage efficient, because the energy source are depleting due to increase in population. Power factor is the ratio of real power and apparent power. This definition is mathematically represented as kW/kVA where kW is active power and kVA is apparent power (active + reactive). Reactive power is the non-working power generated by the magnetic and inductive load to generate magnetic flux. The increase in reactive power increase the apparent power so the power factor will decrease. Low pF will cause the industry to meet high demand thus making it less efficient. The main aim of this project is to increasing the current power factor of medical industries from 0.85 to 0.90. Power factor compensation contribute to reduction in current-dependent losses and increase energy efficiency while expanding the reliability of planning for future energy network. As technology develops, the gradual cost and efficiency penalty should reduce. Therefore, automatic power factor compensation device should become cost-effective and smaller device over time. That is the reason this project is using programmable device as it is a miniature architecture device.

An Integrated Two-Level Demand-Side Management Game Applied to Smart Energy Hubs with Storage

The integration of energy hubs – as an important component of future energy networks that will employ demand-side management techniques – has a key role in the process of efficiency improvement and reliability enhancement of power grids. In such power grids, energy hub operators need to optimally schedule the consumption, conversion, and storage of available resources based on their own utility functions. In sufficiently large networks, scheduling an individual hub can affect the utility of the other energy hubs. In this paper, the interaction between energy hubs is modeled as a potential game. Each energy hub operator (player) participates in a dynamic energy pricing market and tries to maximize his own payoff with regard to energy consumption satisfaction. We propose a distributed algorithm based on a potential game, which guarantees the existence of a Nash equilibrium. Furthermore, two different types of signaling are developed and simulation results are compared. Simulation results show that with the implementation of either setup the peak-to-average ratio between electricity networks and natural gas networks diminishes. An analysis of the results shows that either setup can have superiority over the other one with regard to generation costs, convergence rate, price level, and the stability perspective. Hence, energy providers and consumers can choose a favorable setup based on their respective needs.

A multi-objective MILP model for the design and operation of future integrated multi-vector energy networks capturing detailed spatio-temporal dependencies

A multi-objective optimisation model, based on mixed integer linear programming, is presented that can simultaneously determine the design and operation of any integrated multi-vector energy networks. It can answer variants of the following questions:What is the most effective way, in terms of cost, value/profit and/or emissions, of designing and operating the integrated multi-vector energy networks that utilise a variety of primary energy sources to deliver different energy services, such as heat, electricity and mobility, given the availability of primary resources and the levels of demands and their distribution across space and time? When to invest in technologies, where to locate them; what resources should be used, where, when and how to convert them to the energy services required; how to transport the resources and manage inventory?Scenarios for Great Britain were examined involving different primary energy sources, such as natural gas, biomass and wind power, in order to satisfy demands for heat, electricity and mobility via various energy vectors such as electricity, natural gas, hydrogen and syngas. Different objectives were considered, such as minimising cost, maximising profit, minimising emissions and maximising renewable energy production, subject to the availability of suitable land for biomass and wind turbines as well as the maximum local production and import rates for natural gas.Results suggest that if significant mobility demands are met by hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles, then hydrogen is the preferred energy vector, over natural gas, for satisfying heat demands. If natural gas is not used and energy can only be generated from wind power and biomass, electricity and syngas are the preferred energy carriers for satisfying electricity and heat demands.

IEA EBC Annex 67 Energy Flexible Buildings

The increasing global energy demand, the foreseen reduction of available fossil fuels and the increasing evidence off global warming during the last decades have generated a high interest in renewable energy sources. However, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, have an intrinsic variability that can seriously affect the stability of the energy system if they account for a high percentage of the total generation.The Energy Flexibility of buildings is commonly suggested as part of the solution to alleviate some of the upcoming challenges in the future demand-respond energy systems (electrical, district heating and gas grids). Buildings can supply flexibility services in different ways, e.g. utilization of thermal mass, adjustability of HVAC system use (e.g. heating/cooling/ventilation), charging of electric vehicles, and shifting of plug-loads. However, there is currently no overview or insight into how much Energy Flexibility different building may be able to offer to the future energy systems in the sense of avoiding excess energy production, increase the stability of the energy networks, minimize congestion problems, enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the future energy networks. Therefore, there is a need for increasing knowledge on and demonstration of the Energy Flexibility buildings can provide to energy networks. At the same time, there is a need for identifying critical aspects and possible solutions to manage this Energy Flexibility, while maintaining the comfort of the occupants and minimizing the use of non-renewable energy.In this context, the IEA (International Energy Agency) EBC (Energy in Buildings and Communities program) Annex 67: “Energy Flexible Buildings” was started in 2015. The article presents the background and the work plan of IEA EBC Annex 67 as well as already obtained results.Annex 67 is a corporation between participants from 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and UK.

Investigation of Energy and Environmental Potentials of a Renewable Trigeneration System in a Residential Application

Micro polygeneration utilizing renewable energy is a suitable approach to reduce energy consumption and carbon emission by offering high-efficiency performance, offsetting the need for centrally-generated grid electricity and avoiding transmission/distribution losses associated with it. This paper investigates the energy and environmental potential of a renewable trigeneration system in a residential application under Incheon (Korea) and Ottawa (Canada) weather conditions. The trigeneration system consists of a ground-to-air heat exchanger (GAHX), photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP). The study is performed by simulations in TRNSYS (Version 17.02) environment. The performance of the trigeneration system is compared to a reference conventional system that utilizes a boiler for space and domestic hot water heating and a chiller for space cooling. Simulation results showed substantial annual primary energy savings from the renewable trigeneration system in comparison to the reference system—45% for Incheon and 42% for Ottawa. The CO2eq emission reduction from the renewable trigeneration system is also significant, standing at 43% for Incheon and 82% for Ottawa. Furthermore, trigeneration systems’ capability to generate electricity and thermal energy at the point of use is considered as an attractive option for inclusion in the future smart energy network applications.

A Switchable pH-differential Reactor with High Reactivity and Efficiency for CO2 Utilization

CO2 can be converted to useful fuels by electrochemistry method. As an effective strategy to address greenhouse effect and energy storage shortage, electrochemical reduction of CO2 still needs major improvements on its efficiency and reactivity. This work demonstrates a switchable pH-differential dual electrolyte microfluidic reactor (DEMR) that enhances the thermodynamic property and raises the electrochemical performance based on a laminar flow membrane-less architecture. It is the first time that the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction is freed from the hindrances of thermodynamic limitation. DEMR has also achieved a high reactivity and Faradaic efficiency, revealing the potential for larger-scale applications in future urban energy network, such as a carbon-neutral energy conversion system.

Future energy networks and the role of interactive gaming as simulation

As energy systems integration deepens to support the development of a cleaner and more intelligent energy infrastructure, it will be increasingly important for consumers to better understand their relationship to energy systems and to take more proactive roles in managing energy. Foregrounding the importance of systems comprehension, we argue for the strong potential of interactive games to be helpful in engaging consumers in sustainable energy practices, as they can demonstrate complex system dynamics through simulation-based experiences. Focusing on interrogations of engagement and social change posed by gaming theorists and designers, and using several flagship interactive games as points of reference, we discuss the elements of game space that make it capable of simulating complex systems and large-scale implications of energy decisions richly and effectively. We discuss social, technological, and narrative elements of game play, pairing a theoretical investigation with a practical exploration of how energy related games can link with data in the real world, with particular emphasis on the emerging Internet of Things. Our conclusions emphasise the importance of game simulation toward the longer-term goal of cultivating more complex patterns of interaction and cultural analysis around energy use; this is based on the assertion that energy, a social resource, must be managed in ways that are equally social.

Energy assessment of solar cooling thermally driven system configurations for an office building in a Nordic country

Thermal cooling systems are particularly attractive in locations supplied by district heating based on cogeneration heating plants (CHP). Moreover, solar thermal energy is a major renewable source for the provision of thermal energy, fulfilling demands for space heating, domestic hot water, process heat, and cooling. This energy source can be suitably used also in Nordic Countries.The presented paper focuses on two configurations of a cooling solar-driven thermal system for an office building located in Finland. Dynamic simulation approach has been used through TRNSYS software. In particular, the configurations differ from the connection between the hot storage tank, the solar collectors and the chiller. Particularly, in the first configuration only the tank can supply the chiller (Case 1), while in the second, the chiller can be supplied either by the tank or the solar collectors directly (Case 2). System performance indexes, in case of district heating as main building heating supply system in winter and as auxiliary heating system for the chiller in summer, have been evaluated as a function of the tank and solar thermal field sizes.Results show that Case 2 has better performance than Case 1, because of the versatility shown in summer. Particularly, when the solar irradiance is low, Case 2 solutions perform far better than Case 1 solutions, benefitting from the direct connection between the solar collectors and the chiller. This study has highlighted also the potential of this technology in cold climate areas supplied by means of DH based on CHP plants. Indeed, the adoption of such cooling technology, in addition to reduce both heating and cooling consumed energy and to shave summer electricity peaks, can potentially allow some CHP plants to operate also in summer, fulfilling the future energy networks aims: being able to provide electricity, heat and cooling energy.

Identified improvements of wireless sensor networks in smart grid: issues, requirements and challenges

Communications infrastructure is a basic part for the success of smart grid. Optimisation of energy consumption in the future intelligent energy networks (smart grids) will be based on the integrated near real-time between the different elements of grid network communications. Through a communication infrastructure, a smart grid can improve the reliability of power, eliminate power outages, and optimise energy consumption. The network gets smarter by improving detection, so the most important element that makes the smart grid is wireless sensor networks. Among them, one of the most important applications is a sensor data collection. This paper discusses some of communications research challenges and opportunities in the areas of smart grid and smart meters. In particular, we focus on some of the main communications challenges to achieve interoperability and future proof, smart grid/metering networks. We describe the basic taxonomy and propose to break the network data collection of wireless sensors.

Una representación diaria de los vectores energéticos de Gran Bretaña: gas natural, electricidad y combustibles para transporte

En gran parte de Europa se está dando un fuerte impulso para descarbonizar la demanda energética, incluida su gran demanda de calefacción. El transporte de energía a través de la red, plantea retos considerables; en este caso, los vectores energéticos y los sistemas de almacenamiento energético (tanto eléctrico como térmico) son críticos en dicha transicion. Como ejemplo de los desafios que enfrentan muchos de los países desarrollados, presentamos los flujos energéticos diarios a través de los sístemas eléctrico, de gas y de transporte en el Reino Unido. Un análisis gráfico de estos datos revela diferencias significativas entre los diferentes vectores considerados; incluida la cantidad diaria de energía suministrada a través de las redes, así como la demanda de gas (la cual varía con las estaciones) usualmente expresada en una base diaria, semanal o estacional. A medida que el Reino Unido, motivado por su campaña para reducir las emisiones de carbon, transfiera sus necesidades de calefacción a la red eléctrica, experimentará un aumento significativo en la demanda eléctrica. Además, la gran variabilidad y la incertidumbre en la demanda no serán exclusivos del gas sino que también se darán en el caso eléctrico. Esto plantea dificultades importantes para el mantenimiento de un sistema eléctrico seguro y confiable en las próximas décadas. Este artículo concluye con un análisis de los diferentes medios para acomodar demandas eléctricas variables en redes eléctricas futuras.

The role of hydrogen and fuel cells to store renewable energy in the future energy network – potentials and challenges

The penetration of renewable energy sources is expected to rapidly increase from 15% to 50% in 2050 due to their vital contribution to the global energy requirements, sustainability and quality of life in economical, environmental and health aspects. This huge rise highlights the necessity of development of energy storage systems, especially for intermittency renewable energies such as solar photovoltaic and wind turbine, in order to balance the energy network. In this study, renewable energy options including pumped hydro, pressurized air, flywheels, Li ion batteries, hydrogen and super-capacitors are compared based on a specific set of criteria. The criteria considered are energy/power density, ease of integration with the existing energy network, cost effectiveness, durability, efficiency and safety. Our study showed that storing renewable energy sources in the form of hydrogen through the electrolysis process is ranked as the most promising option considering the mentioned criteria. It brings about several benefits suggesting that hydrogen and fuel cells are promising contributors towards a more sustainable future, both in energy demand and environmental sustainability.

Multiagent Genetic Algorithm: An Online Probabilistic View on Economic Dispatch of Energy Hubs Constrained by Wind Availability

Multiple energy carriers (MECs) have been broadly engrossing power system planners and operators toward a modern standpoint in power system studies. Energy hub, though playing an undeniable role as the intermediate in implementing the MECs, still needs to be put under examination in both modeling and operating concerns. Since wind power continues to be one of the fastest-growing energy resources worldwide, its intrinsic challenges should be also treated as an element of crucial role in the vision of future energy networks. In response, this paper aims to concentrate on the online economic dispatch (ED) of MECs for which it provides a probabilistic ED optimization model. The presented model is treated via a robust optimization technique, i.e., multiagent genetic algorithm (MAGA), whose outstanding feature is to find well the global optima of the ED problem. ED once constrained by wind power availability, in the cases of wind power as one of the input energy carriers of the hub, faces an inevitable uncertainty that is also probabilistically overcome in the proposed model. Efficiently approached via MAGA, the presented scheme is applied to test systems equipped with energy hubs and as expected, introduces its applicability and robustness in the ED problems.

Historical daily gas and electrical energy flows through Great Britain's transmission networks and the decarbonisation of domestic heat

Publically available data is presented comparing recent historical daily energy flows through Great Britain's electrical and gas transmission networks with a focus on domestic heat and hot water. When this data is expressed graphically it illustrates important differences in the characteristics of the gas and electricity demand; these include the quantity of energy delivered through the networks on a daily basis, the scale of variability in the gas demand over multiple timescales (seasonal, weekly and daily) and the relative stability and predictability of the electrical demand. As the United Kingdom proceeds to migrate heating demands to the electrical network in its drive to cut carbon emissions, electrical demand will increase, but equally importantly the variability and uncertainty shown in the gas demand will also migrate to the electrical demand, which suggests both technical challenges and opportunities for management of future energy networks.

Smart Grid Communications: Overview of Research Challenges, Solutions, and Standardization Activities

Optimization of energy consumption in future intelligent energy networks (or Smart Grids) will be based on grid-integrated near-real-time communications between various grid elements in generation, transmission, distribution and loads. This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of communications research in the areas of smart grid and smart metering. In particular, we focus on some of the key communications challenges for realizing interoperable and future-proof smart grid/metering networks, smart grid security and privacy, and how some of the existing networking technologies can be applied to energy management. Finally, we also discuss the coordinated standardization efforts in Europe to harmonize communications standards and protocols.

Energy hubs for the future

This paper presents a project named Vision of Future Energy Networks, which aims at a greenfield approach for future energy systems. The definition of energy hubs and the conception of combined interconnector devices represent key approaches towards a multicarrier greenfield layout. Models and tools for technical, economical and environmental investigations in multicarrier energy systems have been developed and used in various case studies