Optimization and Analysis of Sector Coupled Flexible Energy System

Abstract

Modern civilization is dependent on electricity, often generated from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the global transition toward renewable energy sources and decarbonization has led to an increased demand for flexible energy systems. Challenges such as power peaks, fluctuating electricity prices, limited grid capacity, and the increasing share of renewable energy sources require buildings to be designed in a way that it becomes capable of controlling, storing, and shifting energy use over time. This report describes a scenario-based study that investigates sector coupling solutions and electrical energy storage methods with the goal to asses their potential to reduce power peaks and enhance local energy flexibility. The scenarios are simulated in Python for Power System Analysis (PyPSA) software. The data was obtained from a literature study as well as from a property project by Bengt Dahlgren AB. This study also evaluates the solutions from economicaland environmental perspectives. The results indicate that there are various storage methods that contribute to a more flexible energy system, particularly when combined with local power production and sector coupling. After simulating the scenarios, the findings in the report suggest that many technologies, such as hydrogen tanks and Vehicle to grid (V2G), are a key component to a transition of industries and heavy vehicles to fossil-free. However, based on analysis of the results, they are technologies that need further development and standardization in order to be a viable alternative. After evaluation from a technical- , environmental- and economical perspective, the results suggest that the accumulator tank in combination with heat pumps is the most optimal alternative for the property area investigated in this study. Furthermore, integration of solar photovoltaic cells seems to contribute to a reduction of power peaks by being a support to the grid, mostly during the days with many sun hours. Overall, the findings suggest that integrated system solutions, such as battery storage systems, thermal tanks, hydrogen tanks, have the potential to reduce peak demand and improve the utilization of renewable energy sources. Thermal tank scenario, that turned out to be the most optimal scenario in the study, offers economic and environmental benefits, while it also reducing power peaks. The heat demand can be met, without using the grid, by using the energy stored in the tank.