Optimal design of a decentralized energy system for a neighborhood in Utrecht

Abstract

The energy system is shifting to a more renewable and decentralized system. This comes with a set of new problems such as dealing with the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, maintaining grid stability, the need for storage and the integration of decentralized energy systems on a small scale. Currently the mismatch between demand and supply caused by the intermittent renewable energy generation is mostly solved by using conventional (fossil fuel based) generation units. When the share of RES in the energy mix grows the mismatch will increase and as conventional fuel based systems are no longer desired in a renewable energy mix, new load balancing measures need to be found. To assure that the demand is met, the system is efficient and reliable an optimal energy system needs to be designed.

In this research an energy hub model was used to investigate the deployment of such an optimal decentralized energy system for several cases in Utrecht. Three cases were investigated for commonly found structures of different sizes in Kanaleneiland Zuid. One case study was done for the university buildings of the Utrecht University at the Uithof.

To fulfill the thermal demand the electricity driven heat pump in combination with the hot water thermal storage are used. Photovoltaic solar panels are used to produce electricity. To provide the electricity demand the system needed to be connected to the electricity grid in all cases.