A Comprehensive Optimization Framework for Designing Sustainable Renewable Energy Production Systems

As the world has recognized the importance of diversifying its energy resource portfolio away from fossil resources and more towards renewable resources such as biomass, there arises a need for developing strategies which can design renewable sustainable value chains that can be scaled up efficiently and provide tangible net environmental benefits from energy utilization. The objective of this research is to develop and implement a novel decision-making framework for the optimal design of renewable energy systems. The proposed optimization framework is based on a distributed, systematic approach which is composed of different layers including systems-based strategic optimization, detailed mechanistic modeling and operational level optimization. In the strategic optimization the model is represented by equations which describe physical flows of materials across the system nodes and financial flows that result from the system design and material movements. Market uncertainty is also incorporated into the model through stochastic programming. The output of the model includes optimal design of production capacity of the plant for the planning horizon by maximizing the net present value (NPV). The second stage consists of three main steps including simulation of the process in the simulation software, identification of critical sources of uncertainties through global sensitivity analysis, and employing stochastic optimization methodologies to optimize the operating condition of the plant under uncertainty. To exemplify the efficacy of the proposed framework a hypothetical lignocellulosic biorefinery based on sugar conversion platform that converts biomass to value-added biofuels and biobased chemicals is utilized as a case study. Furthermore, alternative technology options and possible process integrations in each section of the plant are analysed by exploiting the advantages of process simulation and the novel hybrid optimization framework. In conjunction with the simulation and optimization studies, the proposed framework develops quantitative metrics to associate economic values with technical barriers. The outcome of this work is a new distributed decision support framework which is intended to help economic development agencies, as well as policy makers in the renewable energy enterprises

Comprehensive Methodology for Sustainable Power Supply in Emerging Countries

[EN] Electricity has become one of the main driving forces for development, especially in remote areas where the lack of energy is linked to poverty. Traditionally, in these areas power is supplied by grid extension projects, which are expensive, or stand-alone systems based on fossil fuels. An actual alternative to these solutions is community micro-grid projects based on distributed renewable energy sources. However, these solutions need to introduce a holistic approach in order to be successfully implemented in real cases. The main purpose of this research work is the definition and development of a comprehensive methodology to encourage the use of decentralized renewable power systems to provide power supply to non-electrified areas. The methodology follows a top-down approach. Its main novelty is that it interlinks a macro and micro analysis dimension, considering not only the energy context of the country where the area under study is located and its development towards a sustainable scenario; but also the potential of renewable power generation, the demand side management opportunities and the socio-economic aspects involved in the final decision on what renewable energy solution would be the most appropriate for the considered location. The implementation of this methodology provides isolated areas a tool for sustainable energy development based on an environmentally friendly and socially participatory approach. Results of implementing the methodology in a case study showed the importance of introducing a holistic approach in supplying power energy to isolated areas, stating the need for involving all the different stakeholders in the decision-making process. Despite final raking on sustainable power supply solutions may vary from one area to another, the implementation of the methodology follows the same procedure, which makes it an inestimable tool for governments, private investors and local communities.This research was funded by Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and Generalitat Valenciana, grant references SP20180248 and GV/2017/023, respectively.Peñalvo-López, E.; Pérez-Navarro, Á.; Hurtado-Perez, E.; Cárcel Carrasco, FJ. (2019). Comprehensive Methodology for Sustainable Power Supply in Emerging Countries. Sustainability. 11(19):1-22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195398S1221119LOKEN, E. (2007). Use of multicriteria decision analysis methods for energy planning problems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 11(7), 1584-1595. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2005.11.005Cherni, J. A., Dyner, I., Henao, F., Jaramillo, P., Smith, R., & Font, R. O. (2007). Energy supply for sustainable rural livelihoods. A multi-criteria decision-support system. Energy Policy, 35(3), 1493-1504. doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2006.03.026Gabaldón-Estevan, D., Peñalvo-López, E., & Alfonso Solar, D. (2018). The Spanish Turn against Renewable Energy Development. Sustainability, 10(4), 1208. doi:10.3390/su10041208Ouyang, W., Cheng, H., Zhang, X., & Yao, L. (2010). Distribution network planning method considering distributed generation for peak cutting. Energy Conversion and Management, 51(12), 2394-2401. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2010.05.003Chaurey, A., Ranganathan, M., & Mohanty, P. (2004). Electricity access for geographically disadvantaged rural communities—technology and policy insights. Energy Policy, 32(15), 1693-1705. doi:10.1016/s0301-4215(03)00160-5CARCEL CARRASCO, F. J., PEÑALVO LOPEZ, E., & DE MURGA, G. (2018). OFICINAS AUTO-SOSTENIBLES PARA LAS AGENCIAS DE AYUDA INTERNACIONAL EN ZONAS GEOGRÁFICAS REMOTAS. DYNA INGENIERIA E INDUSTRIA, 94(1), 272-277. doi:10.6036/8507Erdinc, O., & Uzunoglu, M. (2012). Optimum design of hybrid renewable energy systems: Overview of different approaches. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(3), 1412-1425. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2011.11.011Al-falahi Monaaf D.A., Jayasinghe, S. D. G., & Enshaei, H. (2017). A review on recent size optimization methodologies for standalone solar and wind hybrid renewable energy system. Energy Conversion and Management, 143, 252-274. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2017.04.019Bajpai, P., & Dash, V. (2012). Hybrid renewable energy systems for power generation in stand-alone applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(5), 2926-2939. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2012.02.009Pérez-Navarro, A., Alfonso, D., Ariza, H. E., Cárcel, J., Correcher, A., Escrivá-Escrivá, G., … Vargas, C. (2016). Experimental verification of hybrid renewable systems as feasible energy sources. Renewable Energy, 86, 384-391. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2015.08.030Al-Alawi, A., & Islam, S. . (2004). Demand side management for remote area power supply systems incorporating solar irradiance model. Renewable Energy, 29(13), 2027-2036. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2004.03.006Ardakani, F. J., & Ardehali, M. M. (2014). Novel effects of demand side management data on accuracy of electrical energy consumption modeling and long-term forecasting. Energy Conversion and Management, 78, 745-752. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2013.11.019Kavrakoǧlu, I., & Kiziltan, G. (1983). Multiobjective strategies in power systems planning. European Journal of Operational Research, 12(2), 159-170. doi:10.1016/0377-2217(83)90219-9Pohekar, S. D., & Ramachandran, M. (2004). Application of multi-criteria decision making to sustainable energy planning—A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 8(4), 365-381. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2003.12.007Kabak, M., & Dağdeviren, M. (2014). Prioritization of renewable energy sources for Turkey by using a hybrid MCDM methodology. Energy Conversion and Management, 79, 25-33. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2013.11.036Peñalvo-López, E., Cárcel-Carrasco, F., Devece, C., & Morcillo, A. (2017). A Methodology for Analysing Sustainability in Energy Scenarios. Sustainability, 9(9), 1590. doi:10.3390/su9091590HOMER Pro® Microgrid Software, the Micro-Power Optimization Model; HOMER Pro 3.13, HOMER Energyhttps://www.homerenergy.com/products/pro/index.htmlSuper Decisions Softwarehttps://www.superdecisions.com/ENRGYPLAN Advanced Energy System Analysishttp://www.energyplan.eu/LEAP Code Energy Analysishttps://www.energycommunity.org/default.asp?action=introductionRodríguez-García, Ribó-Pérez, Álvarez-Bel, & Peñalvo-López. (2019). Novel Conceptual Architecture for the Next-Generation Electricity Markets to Enhance a Large Penetration of Renewable Energy. Energies, 12(13), 2605. doi:10.3390/en12132605Huld, T., Müller, R., & Gambardella, A. (2012). A new solar radiation database for estimating PV performance in Europe and Africa. 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Designing low carbon buildings : a framework to reduce energy consumption and embed the use of renewables

EU policies to mitigate climate change set ambitious goals for energy and carbon reduction for the built environment. In order meet and even exceed the EU targets the UK Government's Climate Change Act 2008 sets a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. To support these targets the UK government also aims to ensure that 20% of the UK's electricity is supplied from renewable sources by 2020. This article presents a design framework and a set of integrated IT tools to enable an analysis of the energy performance of building designs, including consideration of active and passive renewable energy technologies, when the opportunity to substantially improve the whole life-cycle energy performance of those designs is still open. To ensure a good fit with current architectural practices the design framework is integrated with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) key stages, which is the most widely used framework for the delivery of construction projects. The main aims of this article are to illustrate the need for new approaches to support low carbon building design that can be integrated into current architectural practice, to present the design framework developed in this research and illustrate its application in a case study

A comparative study of multiple-criteria decision-making methods under stochastic inputs

This paper presents an application and extension of multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to account for stochastic input variables. More in particular, a comparative study is carried out among well-known and widely-applied methods in MCDM, when applied to the reference problem of the selection of wind turbine support structures for a given deployment location. Along with data from industrial experts, six deterministic MCDM methods are studied, so as to determine the best alternative among the available options, assessed against selected criteria with a view toward assigning confidence levels to each option. Following an overview of the literature around MCDM problems, the best practice implementation of each method is presented aiming to assist stakeholders and decision-makers to support decisions in real-world applications, where many and often conflicting criteria are present within uncertain environments. The outcomes of this research highlight that more sophisticated methods, such as technique for the order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Preference Ranking Organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE), better predict the optimum design alternative

A strategic study of energy efficient and hybrid energy system options for a multi-family building in Korea

This study is to identify performance of energy efficiency measures and to match low-carbon and renewable energy (RE) systems supplies to demands in the context of multi-family residential buildings in Korea. An approach to the evaluation of the hybrid energy systems was investigated, including consideration of heat and power demand profiles, energy system combinations, building design options and strategies for matching supply to demand. The approach is encapsulated within an integrated software environment. Building energy simulation technology was exploited to make virtual energy use data. Low-carbon and RE system modelling techniques were used to predict energy supply profiles. A series of demand/supply matching-based analyses were made to identify the effect of energy efficient demand measures (e.g. roof-top gardens, innovative underfloor heating system) and evaluate the capacity utilisation factor from the hybrid energy systems. On the basis of performance information obtained at the conceptual design stage, the design team can pinpoint the most energy efficient demand/supply combination, and consequently, maximise the impact of hybrid energy systems adoption

Building systems and indoor environment : simulation for design decision support

This paper outlines the state-of-the-art in integrated building simulation for design support. The ESP-r system is used as an example where integrated simulation is a core philosophy behind the development. The paper finishes with indicating a number of barriers, which hinder routine application of simulation for building design

Development of a simulation-based decision support tool for renewable energy integration and demand-supply matching

This paper describes a simulation-based decision support tool, MERIT, which has been developed to assist in the assessment of renewable energy systems by focusing on the degree of match achievable between energy demand and supply. Models are described for the prediction of the performance of PV, wind and battery technologies. These models are based on manufacturers' specifications, location-related parameters and hourly weather data. The means of appraising the quality of match is outlined and examples are given of the application of the tool at the individual building and community levels

Techno-Economic Feasibility of a Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System for a School in North-West Indonesia

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. open access journalBackground: Schools typically have high diurnal fluctuation in electricity demand, with peak loads during daylight hours, which could be adequately met through harnessing solar renewable resources. This study demonstrates the strength of techno-economic assessment in selection and optimization of a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES), utilizing local renewable resources to fulfil the daytime electricity demand for a school in northwest Indonesia. Methods: Three different scenarios are developed for optimizing the HRES configurations, comprising of PV panels, Wind turbine, Battery and Inverter. The following optimization parameters are used—one, technological performance of the HRES, in terms of their energy output to fulfil the energy deficit; two, economic performance of the HRES, in terms of their net present cost (NPC) and payback periods. Results: A clear trade-off is noted between the level of complexity of the three HRES, their renewable electricity generation potentials, NPC and payback periods. Scenario II, comprising of Solar PV and Inverter only, is found to be the most feasible and cost-effective HRES, with the optimized configuration of 245 kW PV capacity and 184 kW inverter having the lowest initial capital cost of US$51,686 and a payback time of 4 years to meet the school’s annual electricity load of 114,654 kWh. Its NPC is US$ −138,017 at the 20th year of installation. The negative value in year 20 is achieved through the sale of 40% of the renewable energy back to the grid. Conclusions: Techno-economic assessment can provide useful decision support in designing HRES relying on solar energy to serve predominantly daytime school electricity requirements in tropical countries

A community electrification project: combination of microgrids and household systems fed by wind, PV or micro-hydro energies according to micro-scale resource evaluation and social constraints

When electrifying isolated rural communities, usually standardized solutions have been implemented using the same technology at all the points. However these solutions are not always appropriate to the community and its population. This article aims to describe the technical design of the electrification system of the community of Alto Peru (in the region of Cajamarca, Peru), where the adequate technology was used at each area according to micro-scale resource evaluation and the socioeconomic requirements of the population. Specifically four technologies were implemented: wind microgrids in highlands, a micro-hydro power plant in the presence of a waterfall, a PV microgrid in a group of points sheltered from the wind and individual PV systems in scattered points with low wind potential. This project brought electricity to 58 households, a health center, a school, a church, two restaurants and two shops.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author’s final draft