Opportunities and economic assessment for a third-party delivering electricity, heat and cold to residential buildings. (1st June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinto, Edwin S.; Gronier, Timothé; Franquet, Erwin; Serra, Luis M.
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 272(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06-01
• Subjects: Polygeneration systems -- Aggregator -- Net present value -- Optimization -- Renewable energy -- Residential sector; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: In the present context of energy transition towards a carbon neutral society, residential sector plays an important role to combat climate change since it represents about 40% of the global final energy consumption and 30% of direct CO 2 emissions in the European Union. Polygeneration systems, facilitating the integration of renewable energies, are a feasible alternative enabling efficient use of natural resources with low environmental impact. This work analyzes the economic viability, in terms of net present value ( NPV ), and environmental benefit (CO 2 eq emissions) of an energy supplier company playing the role on an aggregator for both demand and supply. As an owner of a polygeneration system, optimally designed through a MILP approach, it delivers various energy services (electricity, space heating, domestic hot water and cold) to several customers (50 dwellings). The analysis is performed, considering three different business models, in two different locations, Zaragoza (Spain) and Marseille (France), with different energy demands, energy mixes and energy regulations. The optimal configuration obtained, consisting of cogeneration module, PV, reversible heat pump, boiler and thermal energy storage has shown to be very resilient and cost-effective in the scenarios analyzed. Results indicate that the proposed scheme represents an added value for both the supplier company (aggregator), with a positive NPV, and the final customers (owing savings greater than 30%), with significant reduction of CO 2 eq emissions. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Feasibility and economic viability of an aggregator providing Energy-as-a-Service. Small district (tens of customers). All residential demands offered (heat, DHW, cooling, electricity). Optimized solutions for three cases (varying contracts and prices) and two locations (Zaragoza, Spain and Marseille, France). Non constant prices considered as well as revenues and taxes.