The multi-energy system co-planning of nearly zero-energy districts – Status-quo and future research potential

Power systems in the future are expected to be characterized by an increasing penetration of renewable energy sources systems. To achieve the ambitious goals of the “clean energy transition”, energy storage is a key factor, needed in power system design and operation as well as power-to-heat, allowing more flexibility linking the power networks and the heating/cooling demands. Thermochemical systems coupled to power-to-heat are receiving an increasing attention due to their better performance in comparison with sensible and latent heat storage technologies, in particular, in terms of storage time dynamics and energy density. In this work, a comprehensive review of the state of art of theoretical, experimental and numerical studies available in literature on thermochemical thermal energy storage systems and their use in power-to-heat applications is presented with a focus on applications with renewable energy sources. The paper shows that a series of advantages such as additional flexibility, load management, power quality, continuous power supply and a better use of variable renewable energy sources could be crucial elements to increase the commercial profitability of these storage systems. Moreover, specific challenges, i.e., life span and stability of storage material and high cost of power-to-heat/thermochemical systems must be taken in consideration to increase the technology readiness level of this emerging concept of energy systems integration.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/9/3142/pdf

A review of thermochemical energy storage systems for power grid support

A framework for assessing the technical and economic potential of shallow geothermal energy in individual and district heating systems: A case study of Slovenia

Potential and methods for increasing the flexibility and efficiency of the lignite fired power unit, using integrated lignite drying

Energy communities are key elements in the energy transition at the local level as they aim to generate and distribute energy based on renewable energy technologies locally. The literature on community energy systems is dominated by the study of electricity systems. Yet, thermal energy applications cover 75% of the total energy consumption in households and small businesses. Community-driven initiatives for local generation and distribution of thermal energy, however, remain largely unaddressed in the literature. Since thermal energy communities are relatively new in the energy transition discussions, it is important to have a better understanding of thermal energy community systems and how these systems function. The starting point of this understanding is to study factors that influence the formation and continuation of thermal energy communities. To work towards this aim, an abstract agent-based model has been developed that explores four seemingly trivial factors, namely: neighborhood size, minimum member requirement, satisfaction factor and drop-out factor. Our preliminary modelling results indicate correlations between thermal community formation and the ’formation capability’ (the percentage of households that joined) and with the satisfaction of households. No relation was found with the size of the community (in terms of number of households) or with the ‘drop-out factor’ (individual households that quit after the contract time).

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/11/2829/pdf

Formation and continuation of thermal energy community systems : An explorative agent-based model for the netherlands

Future low temperature district heating design guidebook: Final Report of IEA DHC Annex TS1. Low Temperature District Heating for Future Energy Systems

Markus Stehle

Papers

Future low temperature district heating design guidebook: Final Report of IEA DHC Annex TS1. Low Temperature District Heating for Future Energy Systems