Eco-Energetical analysis of circular economy and community-based virtual power plants (CE-cVPP): A systems engineering-engaged life cycle assessment (SE-LCA) method for sustainable renewable energy development

Abstract

Amidst the escalating complexity of energy demands and climate concerns, naturalcalamities, and the Black Swan phenomenon have all presented formidable obstaclesto the advancement and implementation of renewable energy sources. In light of thecurrent backlog in energy technology, this study proposes a novel renewable energydevelopment initiative—community-based virtual power plant (CE-cVPP)—thatintegrates community participation and circular economy in order to promote robustdevelopment and broaden the path to sustainable development. The principal focusesof the model are community renewable energy supply, energy demand, andcommunity participation management. The sustainable framework is constructed uponthe principles of circular economy theory. On the basis of disparities in renewableenergy sources and a variety of spatiotemporal dimensions, CE-cVPP is categorisedinto four representative groups. We present a business community model for energyand environmental analysis that is based on a hospital in Harbin. A novel approach tolife cycle assessment (SE-LCA) rooted in systems engineering is suggested as ameans of conducting a methodical and scientific evaluation of energy, environmental,and economic sustainability. The findings indicate that when compared to conventionalapproaches, the full lifecycle annual total cost saving ratio is 54.21%, the full lifecycleprimary energy saving rate is 67.21%, the full lifecycle emission reduction ratios foratmospheric pollutants are 53.50% (SO2-eq.), 51.69% (PM2.5-eq.), and 74.85% (CO2-eq.). Theoretically and methodologically, this research may be applied to the energyand power sectors