Bottom-up energy system models applied to sustainable islands. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prina, Matteo Giacomo; Groppi, Daniele; Nastasi, Benedetto; Garcia, Davide Astiaso
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 152(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Smart islands -- Energy scenarios -- Bottom-up models -- Modelling and optimization -- Review study; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111625
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reviews the existing bottom-up energy system models applied at island level. The aim of the paper is to answer the following research questions: i) which energy system models are mostly used at island level? ii) Are national scale models also used for island applications? If yes, which type of additional constraints or adaptations are implemented? iii) A classification of these constraints will be provided in the paper. iv) Which are the main challenges of energy system models applied at insular level? The mostly used bottom-up energy system models are EnergyPLAN, unit commitment models and HOMER. Almost 37% of the analysed studies present models specifically designed for insular applications. The remaining part utilizes models originally designed for Country (47%) or micro-grid (16%) level applications. The additional constraints required by insular applications have been identified to be: reliability and robustness of the power grid, water desalination, vehicle to grid, demand response and maritime transport. The results have shown that the identified additional constraints are more frequently implemented by models that are specifically designed for insular applications. In particular, unit commitment models are capable to take directly into account reliability and robustness of the power grid constraints while models such as EnergyPLAN, HOMER and H2 RES have to use alternative simplified methods based on the use of indicators to account for them. Highlights: Energy system models used at national scale are also used for island applications. Energy system models applied at islands require additional constraints. These constraints are more frequently implemented by models designed for islands. 37% of the analysed studies present models specifically designed for islands. Challenge: resolution in time, space, techno-economic detail and sector coupling.