Renewable Energy Generation Facilities Research Articles

A case study of multi-energy complementary systems for the building based on Modelica simulations

The utilization of renewable energy sources and the development of energy storage technologies have enhanced the interconversion of various energy sources to slow down global warming. The building sector, as the main bearer of energy consumption, is essential for its energy saving and emission reduction. Integrating natural gas-based combined cooling, heating, and power systems with renewable energy generation facilities is an effective solution. For that, different scenarios are designed to provide energy for a specific office building and compared with the current scenario of depending only on the municipal grid. Equipment models for photovoltaic, battery, gas engine, absorption chiller-heater, and electric heat pump are created. The results show that the multi-energy complementary system has better economic and environmental characteristics, with a primary energy ratio of over 80 % and emission reduction of over 17 %; the advantages of configuring the unit capacity to meet the cooling and heating loads for 80 % of the year are obvious, and in this scenario abandoning battery storage has higher economics for users, with a static payback period from 7.3 years to 4.4 years, but the primary energy ratio decreased by 3 % and carbon emissions increased by 7.2 tCO2. It is recommended to consider the principle of gas-electricity complementarity, relying on the combined cooling, heating, and power system to meet part of the loads, with the remaining loads being supplemented by the municipal grid. The installation of batteries should be considered comprehensively based on the price of the batteries and the requirement for energy-saving and emission-reduction.

Development of renewable energy in Russia: Challenges and opportunities

Subject. This article discusses the issues of climate change and environmental aspects of the development of the Russian regions' economy. Objectives. The article aims to assess the importance of green energy in ensuring economic advance and analyze the specific risks for the economy associated with the active use of renewable energy sources. Methods. For the study, we used a comparative analysis. Results. The article finds that solar, wind and small hydroelectric power plants are extremely unevenly distributed across the federal districts of Russia. Renewable energy generation facilities are the most cost-effective at the local level and have a positive impact on the environment. Conclusions. The activities of Russian regions in the introduction of renewable energy sources should be recognized as insufficient for the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.

탄소중립 실현에 있어서의 신재생에너지 발전의 확대를 위한 조세제도

Realization of carbon neutrality is an important task to be achieved worldwide, including Korea. Due to climate change, we are experiencing abnormal climates and natural disasters that have not been experienced in the past. In order to suppress such disasters, it is essential to reduce carbon emissions and realize carbon neutrality. However, the realization of carbon neutrality cannot be achieved by each country's declaration of carbon neutrality, but each member must work together. Accordingly, International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a “special report on 1.5℃ global warming” in 2018. In Korea, the government announced the “2030 National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals (NDC)” on October 18, 2021. It declared that it would reduce greenhouse gases by 40% compared to 2018. Despite these declarations at Korea and abroad, carbon emissions are not decreasing worldwide, and so is Korea.
 Currently, Korea is establishing a related system based on the Framework Act On Carbon Neutrality And Green Growth For Coping With Climate Crisis in order to realize carbon neutrality. In addition, the government is discussing a system that imposes a financial burden on the use or consumption of fossil fuels to reduce carbon emissions such as greenhouse gases, the biggest barrier to realizing carbon neutrality. This means that it will eventually urge people to change their behavior through financial burdens. On the other hand, reducing carbon emissions should be encouraged. The expansion and dissemination of renewable energy generation is an important issue in promoting carbon neutrality. This problem is that the recent war between Russia and Ukraine has made the problem of stable supply and demand of energy in each country more important. Nevertheless, Korea's renewable energy generation ratio still falls short of foreign figures, which is a task to be improved in the future.
 Based on these domestic and foreign situations, this article examined the tax system to promote the spread and expansion of new and renewable energy generation and expressed its own opinions. From the taxpayer's point of view, measures will be taken to reduce the amount of tax to be paid due to the purchase of renewable energy generation facilities. If so, the depreciation system is used to recognize costs through the facility, and the current law does not stipulate renewable energy generation facilities as to what the useful life thereof is. In this regard, it is necessary to further clarify the depreciation useful life of renewable energy generation facilities by referring to realistic replacement cycles and foreign legislation to promote taxpayer predictability and legal stability.
 In addition, the use of a special acceleration amortization system can be promoted to more actively expand renewable energy generation facilities. However, under the current law, it is interpreted that the system is recognized only for facilities that produce parts, etc. of renewable energy generation facilities. In order to more actively promote the supply and expansion of renewable energy generation facilities in the future, policies and legislation are needed to use the depreciation system more, such as the special acceleration depreciation system, not only for the production facilities of the facility but also for the general public. However, at this time, separate measures will be needed for tax avoidance using profit and loss calculation using the facility.
 In considering the supply and expansion of renewable energy generation facilities in the task of realizing carbon neutrality and stable supply of energy, it is expected that carbon neutralization will be realized as soon as possible through the review of related tax systems.

Machine Learning-Based Estimation of COP and Multi-Objective Optimization of Operation Strategy for Heat Source Considering Electricity Cost and On-Site Consumption of Renewable Energy

Air conditioning is a significant consumer of electricity in buildings, accounting for around 40% of the total consumption. While previous studies have focused on planning methods to minimize electricity costs, recent years have seen an increasing need for energy management methods that consider environmental performance, such as CO2 emissions, alongside economic efficiency. This study proposes a mechanism to support stakeholders’ decision-making by calculating Pareto solutions based on the multi-objective optimization of economic and environmental characteristics for entities that own renewable energy generation facilities. Unlike many existing studies that assume a specific equation for COP (Coefficient of Performance) estimation, this study adopts a nonparametric COP estimation method using machine learning, resulting in a more realistic and flexible modeling of the system. The study also presents a model for selecting an operation strategy that balances environmental and economic goals, incorporating a thermal storage facility to improve the renewable energy rate. Specifically, we proposed and compared methods for calculating solutions using only the GA (Genetic Algorithm) and a two-step optimization method combining a GA and gradient-based optimization method, confirming the superiority of the two-step optimization method. The case study unveiled unique operational profiles corresponding to cost-saving, renewable-energy, and balanced orientation points, suggesting the existence of specific strategies tailored to each orientation. The findings of this study can help stakeholders make more informed decisions regarding energy management in air conditioning systems, with benefits for both the environment and the bottom line.

Public dialogue as a collaborative planning process for offshore wind energy projects: Implications from a text analysis of a South Korean case

Local opposition to renewable energy projects reflects the competition among various ideas and values in the energy transition process. Offshore wind farms (OWFs), which are one of the most promising renewable energy generation facilities, are still not free from conflict. This study aimed to enrich the knowledge of the use of public dialogue for collaborative planning in OWF conflict situations. The spatial context on the case was Tongyeong-si, South Korea, where we hosted public dialogue programs. The main purpose of the program was to gather local opinion leaders and enable them to participate in a voluntary discussion on the most important issues related to the OWF project. The post-text and factor analyses could allow the identification of the three most important factors for residents regarding the siting of an OWF: resident participation in the siting process, consideration of damage to fisheries, and sufficient information for judgment. The degree to which the three factors were considered important was different for stakeholders: fishers emphasized the consideration of damage to fisheries, while environmental groups stressed sufficient judgment evidence, but all actors regarded citizen participation in the siting process as necessary. The findings of public dialogue can be interpreted within the local context to indicate that many aspects of the sociotechnical system should be changed to solve renewable energy conflicts. Furthermore, public dialogue can serve as an effective transition strategy to overcome confrontations through the co-production of knowledge and constructing an agenda together with the public.

Impact of various hydro power generation scenarios on energy balance and power markets in see region

This paper presents electricity power generation capacities in South East Europe (SEE). Due to a high share of hydro power generation, hydrology has a major influence on energy balance and power markets in SEE. Power markets are facing the impact of a rising number of renewable energy generation facilities. This paper describes influences of energy availability on power markets and energy generation within three hydrological scenarios (dry, normal and wet scenario). Short-term electricity prices are analyzed in terms of production and consumption on three major power exchanges in Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. Findings demonstrate influences of weather conditions on power markets in SEE through energy production, security of supply and risks facing power producers.

Designing the power supply system of the region with the integration of hydrogen energy facilities

The paper considers the methodology of designing a distribution network by the example of the Penza region in Russia. We performed a simulation of operating modes and optimization of the distribution network topology. The power balance in the power system was performed in autonomous mode. Recommendations were given on the placement of renewable energy sources (RES) on the ground and the selection of their capacity. The total capacity of renewable energy generation facilities exceeds the design load 3 times. A balancing load is included in the power system to increase the efficiency of renewable energy generation facilities. Electrolysis hydrogen stations consume excess electricity generation during the periods of favourable weather conditions. Hydrogen is stored in the warehouses and can be used at the thermal power plants during periods when weather conditions are unfavourable and the generation of renewable energy sources is insufficient to supply the region.

Can Large Educational Institutes Become Free from Grid Systems? Determination of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Thailand

In some countries, renewable energy resources have become one of the mainstreams of energy savings and sustainable development. Thailand is one of the major countries to use renewable energy generation facilities in public buildings. In particular, public educational institutes consume large amounts of electricity from the grid. To reduce the electricity dependency on the national grid connection and greenhouse gas emissions, this paper introduces potential optimized solutions of renewable energy generation systems for a public university in Thailand, Chiang Mai University. Based on the simulation results from HOMER software, the potential configuration organized by PV panels, batteries and converters is proposed. The suggested configuration achieves 100% of the renewable fraction with $0.728 of the cost of energy for per electricity. Moreover, the greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced. Both the implications and limitations are presented based on simulation results.

A Challenge for Sustainable Electrification, Respecting the Local Tradition in Ciptagelar Village, West Java, Indonesia: Complementary Approach with a Private Company

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy is a key challenge in reducing poverty in developing countries. Off-grid rural electrification based on decentralized renewable energy has been recognized as an effective way to increase access to energy in remote areas. However, there is some doubt about its long-term sustainability. Previous studies have indicated that once renewable energy generation facilities are installed, the responsibility for operation and maintenance is often handed over to the local community, and, eventually, the project fails because of a lack of maintenance budget. This paper discusses issues related to the sustainability of MHP-based rural electrification as a case study in a remote village in West Java, Indonesia, that is deeply steeped local traditions. A complementary approach between the community and a private company was introduced to improve the economic sustainability of MHPPs while simultaneously conserving local traditions and livelihoods.

Economic Evaluation of Unused Space PV System Using the RETScreen Model - A Case Study of Busan, Gangseo-gu -

Recently, There has been much discussed about unused space. This space can be used in a variety of ways. Utilizing it as a facility, craft shop, and utilizing renewable energy generation facilities. Especially, in terms of climate change should be supplied renewable energy. Renewable energy needs to be developed in terms of responding to climate change, and the recent Paris agreement is also emphasizing the importance of renewable energy. In particular, renewable energy needs to be widely disseminated. And renewable energy is limited space. In this regard, idle land can provide opportunities for securing new renewable energy generation facilities. The introduction of new and renewable energy facilities in idle space can enhance the self-sufficiency rate of the local community, which is significant in terms of responding to climate. In this study, to investigate the possibility of utilizing a unused space for a photovoltaic power generation facility, we investigated the amount of electricity which could be generated through photovoltaic power generation, and the economic effects, using a RETScreen model. The results showed that 9,738 MWh of power can be generated and that 4,540 tCO2eqcan be saved. Regarding the economic effect, the net present value of the facility was shown to be 2,247,389,020 KRW. As the net present value was shown to be positive, we believe that the installation of a photovoltaic power generation facility in an unused space would have a positive economic effect. We found the net present value following the fluctuation of the SMP price to be positive, though there was some variation. However, as the economic efficiency was shown to be low because the net present value in relation to the maintenance costs was negative, we believe that maintenance costs must be taken fully into account when evaluating economic efficiency. In particular, as subsidies can be used to cover maintenance costs which must be factored into photovoltaic power generation, we believe that photovoltaic power generation can have an economic effect. Because spaces not currently in use can have a positive economic effect as renewable energy power generation facilities, and can also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, unused spaces are thought to greatly help local governments to cope with climate change as well as reinforcing their related capabilities. We believe our study will help local governments with decisions relating to unused real estate utilization in the future.

Sizing and Siting of Large-Scale Batteries in Transmission Grids to Optimize the Use of Renewables

Power systems are a recent field of application of complex network research, which allows performing large-scale studies and evaluations. Based on this theory, a power grid is modeled as a weighted graph with several kinds of nodes and edges, and further analysis can help in investigating the behavior of the grid under critical conditions. Among the crucial aspects of a power network, those concerning flow limits and power flow distribution are gaining relevance due to the increasing introduction of large-scale renewable energy generation facilities. Storage systems are a key element in having a more sustainable but still reliable grid. This paper focuses on a new research challenge regarding the siting of the storage on the transmission grid and its appropriate sizing. The problem is tackled by considering realistic configurations based on the IEEE-RTS-96 bus and data coming from the Italian transmission operator, and evaluating novel economic and complex network-based metrics on these configurations. Power flows are modeled in a linear way, and the representative optimization problem is expressed as a linear programming problem. The results show the potential benefits of storage in transmission lines and indicate that the siting has a minor role in the optimal operation of the system.

Economic Feasibility of Renewable Electricity Generation Systems for Local Government Office: Evaluation of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province in South Korea

While environmental and energy concerns have become global issues, the government of South Korea has made notable efforts and formulated plans for the diffusion of renewable energy generation facilities for the nation’s public and governmental institutions. Accordingly, Jeju Island has become one of the most promising locations for utilizing renewable energy resources. This study aims to propose potential configurations for renewable energy generation facilities (mainly solar and wind energy facilities) in response to the electricity demand of the main local governmental offices of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. The study utilizes the hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources software to simulate two optimized configurations for generation at a cost of energy of $0.306 per kWh (independent) and $0.204 per kWh (grid-connected) with 100% renewable fraction for the island. The implications of the simulation results and limitations of the study are discussed.

Adfreeze Forces on Lightly Loaded Pile Foundations of Solar PV Farms in Cold Regions

Renewable energy generation through utility scale ground mounted solar photo-voltaic systems has gained steady popularity with increasing number of such facilities being constructed in various regions worldwide. Solar PV systems are very popular in the province of Ontario in Canada and strong growth in this sector is led by the popular initiatives of the Government of Ontario which offers extremely attractive rates for generation of renewable energy through Ontario Hydro’s popular Feed-In Tariff (FIT) Program. Many other countries offer incentives on such generation of renewable energy while many governments aim at increasing the percentages of renewable energy in their systems tremendously. Most ambitious plan has recently been launched by the state of Hawaii to deploy 100% of renewable energy in their grid by 2045. Solar PV systems are a cheap source of renewable energy as the energy released by the sun is harnessed as electricity by the solar photo-voltaic panels which is fed to the main transmission systems after raising its voltage. The costs of solar photo-voltaic panels meanwhile have also kept downward trends while the manufacture of various types of solar panels has multiplied rapidly. These renewable energy generation facilities are fully sustainable being completely recyclable on completion of their design/ contract period. Typical utility scale ground mounted solar PV facilities usually comprise of solar PV panels mounted on series of racking tables supported on foundations mostly comprising of partially embedded steel pipes. The governing loads for the foundations of these lightly loaded solar PV structures are usually frost loads in areas facing extremely cold winters. In fine grained soils like silty/ clayey soils, large adfreeze stresses develop due to penetrating frost deep into the soil resulting into uplift of foundation piles. Typical winter conditions in Ontario are harsh with extreme frost conditions in most areas which poses unique issues for design and construction of such foundations. Being a relatively newer technology, codes and standards for design and testing of such lightly loaded solar PV structures are still in the formulation stages. Frost heaving and its effects often create adverse conditions for these structures thereby affecting the production and continuous supply of renewable energy. Due to larger depths of frost penetration in extreme winter conditions, understanding the action of frost and related development of adfreeze stresses on these lightly loaded pile foundations is extremely important. Calculating reasonable frost depths and thereby the design loads is an important part of pile design for such facilities while the contractors tend to save on pile lengths to save on costs and compromising the structural design. Many such Solar PV facilities have experienced frost uplift of foundation piles either during the construction phase or during its lifetime. Since frost heave is more of a serviceability related issue, unfactored adfreeze loads without any factor of safety is a usual tendency by the EPC contractors. This paper investigates the frost depths and adfreeze stress related issues with the foundation piles of solar PV facilities hence the governing design forces on these piles and suggests appropriate frost related design stresses for the foundation piles. The authors have been heavily involved in design/ design reviews, pile selection/ design and pile load testing in the majority of the solar PV farms in Canada and US along with rehabilitation of piles affected by frost [1,2,3].

Is “Green” Energy Bad for the Environment? Renewable Energy Generation and Wildlife Conservation in the United States

Efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the United States focus in significant part on increasing generation of renewable energy. However, utility scale renewable energy generation facilities can themselves have significant environmental impacts, particularly on wildlife and wildlife habitat. These adverse effects include mortality of birds and bats caused by operations of wind turbines, alteration of aquatic ecosystems by hydroelectric dams, habitat destruction by large-scale solar projects, and harm to marine organisms and potentially even fishing due to tidal and wave energy installations. Federal laws protecting birds and endangered species, as well as environmental impact assessment requirements applicable to federal agency actions and approvals, have already affected approval and operation of renewable energy facilities. Particularly since these statutes include citizen suit provisions that allow any interested party to enforce them in court, laws enacted decades ago will continue to play a key role in future efforts in the United States to balance increasing generation of renewable energy with maintaining and restoring the country’s biodiversity resources.