Small-Scale Decentralized Energy Systems : optimization and performance analysis

Small-scale polygeneration energy systems, providing multiple energy services, such as heating, electricity, cooling, and clean water, using multiple energy sources (renewable and non-renewable) are considered an important component in the energy transition movement. Exploiting locally available energy sources and providing energy services close to the end users have potential environmental, economic, and societal benefits. Furthermore, integration of thermal and electro-chemical storages in the system can decrease fossil fuel consumption, particularly when applying a long-term perspective. Despite their promising potential, the global share of power generation by these systems, including the combined heat and power (CHP) systems, is relatively low in the current energy market. To investigate the applicability of these systems, their competitiveness in comparison with conventional energy solutions should be carefully analyzed in terms of energy, economy, and the environment. However, determining whether the implementation of a polygeneration system fulfills economic, energetic, and environmental criteria is a challenging process. Additionally, the design of such systems is a complex task, due to a system design with various generation and storage modules, and the continuous interaction between the modules, load demand fluctuations, and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. In this research study, a method to identify the optimal size for small-scale polygeneration systems and suitable operating strategies is proposed. Based on this method, a mathematical model is developed that can optimize the design in terms of energy, economy, and the environment relative to a reference system for a given application. Moreover, the developed model is used to investigate the effects of various parameters on the performance of the system, including, among others, the selected operating strategy and load characteristics as well the climate zones through a number of case studies. It is concluded that the application of a small-scale polygeneration energy system potentially has considerable energetic and environmental benefits. However, its economic feasibility varies from case to case. The concluding remarks are primarily intended to provide a general perception of the potential application of a polygeneration system as an alternative solution. It also provides a general understanding of the effects of various parameters on the design and performance of a complex polygeneration system. The results from various case studies demonstrate that the developed model can efficiently identify the optimal size of a polygeneration system and its performance relative to a reference system. This can support engineers and researchers as well as investors and other decision makers to realize whether a polygeneration system is a good choice for a specific case