A cooperative net zero energy community to improve load matching. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lopes, Rui Amaral; Martins, João; Aelenei, Daniel; Lima, Celson Pantoja
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 93(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Net zero energy buildings -- Renewable energy -- Load matching -- Grid interaction -- Demand side management; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.02.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: The work reported here addresses load matching improvement in Net Zero Energy Buildings (Net-ZEBs). The related relevant literature shows that currently research work is mainly focused on improving the load matching of individual buildings. In this paper the concept of a Cooperative Net Zero Energy Community (CNet-ZEC) is introduced, extending discussion to the enhancement of load matching at a wider community level. Both building and community levels are compared in order to assess the work proposed here, through the analysis of three distinct scenarios where five Net-ZEBs work individually or in community. The results presented here were obtained through a detailed simulation based on 1-min resolution stochastic load profiles and recorded weather data. The results indicate that over the period of a year the CNet-ZEC has the potential to increase the electrical demand covered by onsite electricity generation up to 21% and the on-site generation that is used by the building up to 15%. The following elements are considered by the CNet-ZEC in order to produce those results: (i) demand heterogeneity of the buildings integrating the community; (ii) the higher number of controllable devices; and (iii) the potential higher amount of energy available to satisfy the community demand. Highlights: Research on load matching improvement of net zero energy buildings. The concept of cooperative net zero energy community is proposed. A demand side management method based on a genetic algorithm is developed. Significant improvements introduced by the cooperative net zero energy community.