78 research outputs found
Exploring non-residential technology adoption: an empirical analysis of factors associated with the adoption of photovoltaic systems by municipal authorities in Germany
This research article explores potential influencing factors of solar
photovoltaic (PV) system adoption by municipal authorities in Germany in the
year 2019. We derive seven hypothesized relationships from the empirical
literature on residential PV adoption, organizational technology adoption, and
sustainability policy adoption by local governments, and apply a twofold
empirical approach to examine them. First, we explore the associations of a set
of explanatory variables on the installed capacity of adopter municipalities
(N=223) in an OLS model. Second, we use a logit model to analyze whether the
identified relationships are also apparent between adopter and non-adopter
municipalities (N=423). Our findings suggest that fiscal capacity (measured by
per capita debt and per capita tax revenue) and peer effects (measured by the
pre-existing installed capacity) are positively associated with both the
installed capacity and adoption. Furthermore, we find that institutional
capacity (measured by the presence of a municipal utility) and environmental
concern (measured by the share of green party votes) are positively associated
with municipal PV adoption. Economic factors (measured by solar irradiation)
show a significant positive but small effect in both regression models. No
evidence was found to support the influence of political will. Results for the
role of municipal characteristics are mixed, although the population size was
consistently positively associated with municipal PV adoption and installed
capacity. Our results support previous studies on PV system adoption
determinants and offer a starting point for additional research on
non-residential decision-making and PV adoption
Modeling and Optimizing of Integrated Multi-Modal Energy Systems for Municipal Energy Utilities
The development of sustainable business models is a challenging task since various factors might influence the results of an assessment. Given the complexity at the municipal level, system interdependencies between different alternatives need to be considered. One possibility to support decision makers is to apply energy system optimization models. Existing optimization models, however, ignore the roles different actors play and the resulting impact they have.
To address this research issue, this thesis presents an integrated techno-economic optimization framework called IRPopt (Integrated Resource Planning and Optimization). A proven graph-based energy system approach allows the accurate modeling of deployment systems by considering different energy carriers and technical processes. In addition, a graph-based commercial association approach enables the integration of actor-oriented coordination. This is achieved by the explicit modeling of market actors on one layer and technology processes on another layer as well as resource flow interrelations and commercial agreements mechanism among and between the different layers. Using the optimization framework, various optimization problems are solvable on the basis of a generic objective function.
For demonstration purposes, this thesis assesses the business models demand response and community storage. The applied examples demonstrate the modeling capabilities of the developed optimization framework. Further, the dispatch results show the usefulness of the described optimization approach
Potential of demand response for chlor-alkali electrolysis processes
Chlor-alkali electrolysis indicates significant demand response potential, accounting for over 2% of Germanyâs total elec-tricity demand. To fully analyze this potential, digital models or digital twins are necessary. In this study, we use the IRPopt modeling framework to develop a digital model of an electrolysis process and examine the cost-optimal load shifting application in the day-ahead spot and balancing reserve market for various price scenarios (2019, 2030, 2040). We also investigate the associated CO2 emissions. Combined optimization at both markets results in greater and more robust cost savings of 16.1% but cannibalizes the savings that are possible through optimization separately at each market. In future scenarios, the shares of savings from spot and reserve market could potentially reverse. CO2 savings between 2.5% and 9.2% appear only through optimization at the spot market and could even turn negative if optimized solely at the reserve market
Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy
Research attention on decentralized autonomous energy systems has increased
exponentially in the past three decades, as demonstrated by the absolute number of
publications and the share of these studies in the corpus of energy system modelling
literature. This paper shows the status quo and future modelling needs for research on
local autonomous energy systems. A total of 359 studies are roughly investigated, of
which a subset of 123 in detail. The studies are assessed with respect to the
characteristics of their methodology and applications, in order to derive common trends
and insights. Most case studies apply to middle-income countries and only focus on the
supply of electricity in the residential sector. Furthermore, many of the studies are
comparable regarding objectives and applied methods. Local energy autonomy is
associated with high costs, leading to levelized costs of electricity of 0.41 $/kWh on
average. By analysing the studies, many improvements for future studies could be
identified: the studies lack an analysis of the impact of autonomous energy systems on
surrounding energy systems. In addition, the robust design of autonomous energy
systems requires higher time resolutions and extreme conditions. Future research
should also develop methodologies to consider local stakeholders and their
preferences for energy systems
Green or greedy: the relationship between perceived benefits and homeowners' intention to adopt residential low-carbon technologies
Transitioning to a net-zero economy requires a nuanced understanding of
homeowners decision-making pathways when considering the adoption of Low Carbon
Technologies (LCTs). These LCTs present both personal and collective benefits,
with positive perceptions critically influencing attitudes and intentions. Our
study analyses the relationship between two primary benefits: the
household-level financial gain and the broader environmental advantage.
Focusing on the intention to adopt Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems, Energy
Efficient Appliances, and Green Electricity Tariffs, we employ Partial Least
Squares Structural Equation Modeling to demonstrate that the adoption intention
of the LCTs is underpinned by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Attitudes toward
the LCTs are more strongly related to product-specific benefits than affective
constructs. In terms of evaluative benefits, environmental benefits exhibit a
higher positive association with attitude formation compared to financial
benefits. However, this relationship switches as homeowners move through the
decision process with the financial benefits of selected LCTs having a
consistently higher association with adoption intention. At the same time,
financial benefits also positively affect attitudes. Observing this trend
across both low- and high-cost LCTs, we recommend that policymakers amplify
homeowners' recognition of the individual benefits intrinsic to LCTs and enact
measures that ensure these financial benefits
Scenarios for the decarbonization of district heating: the case of Leipzig
This study derives the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for exemplary post-fossil district heating (DH) scenarios. The DH system of Leipzig in 2040 under the assumption of a completely climate-neutral heat supply is considered. Accordingly, four generation scenarios (GS) are proposed based on different energy carriers that are characterized as follows: (1) natural gas with carbon capture and storage, (2) hydrogen, (3) diversified mix of biomass, waste heat and solar, and (4) electricity. In addition, the scenariosâ robustness toward commodity prices is investigated using a sensitivity analysis. A modeling environment was used to optimize the hourly economic dispatch. Based on this, levelized costs are determined. For the reference case, the LCOH of the GS 1 and 2 exceeds the LCOH of GS 3 and 4. Furthermore, the results indicate that relying on singular energy carriers as opposed to diversified generation portfolios leads to less robust LCOH regarding price sensitivities
The Influence of Financial Benefits and Peer Effects on the Adoption of Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems
The uptake of residential photovoltaic systems is
essential for energy system transformation towards carbon
neutrality and decentralization. However, despite numerous
campaigns to incentivize their uptake, adoption by residential
homeowners is lacking behind. While countless drivers and
barriers have been identified, the decision process is not fully
understood. To address this gap, we developed an agent-based
residential rooftop photovoltaic adoption model called PVact. Our
model analyzes the interactions of potential household adopters
based on their utility functions and social network, with a focus
on the role of monetary evaluation and social pressure in adoption
behavior. In this paper, we aim to assess the influence of monetary
evaluation and social pressure in an abstract case study based
on real-world data from the municipality of Leipzig, Germany.
We consider stochastic dynamics through scenario analysis to
investigate the influence of these factors on adoption behavior.
Our results show that monetary evaluation and social pressure
have a significant impact on adoption behavior. Specifically, we
find shifting adoption patterns with an increased requirement for
monetary returns and higher level of normative pressure required
for households to act. Higher resistance against these pressure
shows more stochastic variations
Reviewing local and integrated energy system models : insights into flexibility and robustness challenges
Funding Information: The contribution by Jann M. Weinand was supported by the Helmholtz Association under the program âEnergy System Designâ. Acknowledgements The contribution by Jann M. Weinand was supported by the Helmholtz Association under the program âEnergy System Designâ.Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Exploring the Role of Stakeholder Dynamics in Residential Photovoltaic Adoption Decisions : A Synthesis of the Literature
Funding: Fabian Scheller kindly acknowledges the financial support support of the European Unionâs Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 713683 (COFUNDfellowsDTU). Isabel Doser received funding from the project SUSIC (Smart Utilities and Sustainable Infrastructure Change) with the project number 1722 0710. This study is financed by the Saxon State government out of the State budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament Acknowledgments: For valuable feedback, the authors wish to thank the anonymous reviewer and the associate editor.Peer reviewedPublisher PD
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