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Meinrad Bürer

Bio: Meinrad Bürer is an academic researcher from University of Geneva. The author has contributed to research in topics: Public policy & Building envelope. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 6 publications receiving 168 citations.

Papers
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an economic optimization of the operation of a residential battery for two different applications, namely PV self-consumption and demand-load shifting under different dynamic tariff structures, is presented.
Abstract: The energy storage market is growing exponentially and residential batteries are being deployed including in grid-connected housing, in order to increase on-site use of PV electricity, i.e. PV self-consumption. However, residential batteries have not reached economic profitability yet in most grid-connected situations, and alternative applications for residential batteries should be explored. This paper presents results from an economic optimization of the operation of a residential battery for two different applications, namely PV self-consumption and demand-load shifting under different dynamic tariff structures. A genetic algorithm was used to identify the optimal operation of the battery for both applications separately as well as combined, in order to investigate whether and under what circumstances the delivery of these two services can help to create an economic case. We find that the greatest monetary value per kWh of storage capacity installed is obtained when a battery is used for PV self-consumption under a single, flat tariff. Furthermore, adding demand-load shifting to the value proposition is economically attractive since it helps to minimize the levelized cost associated with battery storage. We also identify improvements needed for residential batteries to reach economic viability in Switzerland for both PV self-consumption and demand-load shifting, as for example, halving of capital expenditure of the battery system.

78 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a bottom-up model (SwissRes) which allows to analyse the demand for space heating by building element and by building archetype (54 archetypes in total).

78 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the current thermal performance and retrofit state of the Swiss residential building stock is examined based on approximately 10,400 Cantonal Building Energy Certificates issued for individual buildings across the country.

68 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparative analysis including Geneva and 11 leading states in the US, with the objective to identify explanatory factors for the success of energy efficiency programs, is conducted, and the authors conclude that the combination of financial instruments with public mandates can ensure a high level of effectiveness.

13 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of changes in economic structure, overall economic activity and structure-corrected energy intensity (SCEI) on the electricity consumption in the canton of Geneva and in Switzerland on multiple aggregation levels were investigated.

9 citations


Cited by
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The next generation EPC should rely on BIM technology, benefit from big data techniques and use building smart-readiness indicators to create a more reliable, affordable, comprehensive and customer-tailored instrument, which could better represent energy efficiency, together with occupants’ perceived comfort, and air quality.
Abstract: The building sector accounts for 40% of the total energy consumption in the EU. It faces great challenges to meet the goal of transforming the existing building stocks into near zero-energy buildings by 2050. The development of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) schemes in the EU provides a powerful and comprehensive information tool to quantitatively predict annual energy demand from the building stock, creating a demand-driven market for energy-effective buildings. Properties with improved energy rating have had a positive impact on property investments and rental return because of the reduced energy bills. In addition, the EPC databases have been applied to energy planning and building renovations. However, it should be mentioned that the current evaluation system faces problems, such as not being fully implemented, delivering low quality and insufficient information to stimulate renovation, therefore requiring improvements to be made. This paper provides a review of the current EPC situations in the EU and discusses the direction of future improvements. The next generation EPC should rely on BIM technology, benefit from big data techniques and use building smart-readiness indicators to create a more reliable, affordable, comprehensive and customer-tailored instrument, which could better represent energy efficiency, together with occupants’ perceived comfort, and air quality. Improved EPC schemes are expected to play an active role in monitoring building performance, future energy planning and quantifying building renovation rates, promoting energy conservation and sustainability.

122 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a bottom-up model (SwissRes) which allows to analyse the demand for space heating by building element and by building archetype (54 archetypes in total).

78 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Research on building occupant behaviour relies strongly on quantitative methods, but studies are mostly located in the northern hemisphere and in developed and high-income countries, and the dominant research topics associated with occupant behaviour are energy demand and thermal comfort, followed by retrofit and renovation.
Abstract: Buildings consume energy for different purposes. One core function is to provide healthy and comfortable living conditions for the humans that inhabit these buildings. The associated energy use is significant: taken together, buildings are responsible for roughly 40% of the world’s total annual energy consumption. This large percentage makes the built environment an important target for researchers, policy makers, innovators and others who aim to decrease energy consumption and the associated emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). Unfortunately, the significant body of research on energy efficient buildings conducted since the 1970s has had only a limited impact on the overall energy use of the sector, and this remains a serious concern. The energy use of buildings shows a strong correlation with the activities of the building occupants. A key factor that makes it hard to curb building energy use is a lack of understanding of building occupant behaviour. This paper reviews research on building occupant behaviour in two stages. The first stage reviews important issues, milestones, methodologies used, building types analysed and progress achieved related to the topic, as reported in the most frequently cited papers. The second stage focuses on recent work in the area and investigates ‘state of the art’ developments in terms of questions asked and solutions proposed. The aim is to identify problems and knowledge gaps in the field for future projection. Recent research on the topic is analysed, taking account of methodologies, building types, locations, keywords, data sampling and survey size. Based on a critical analysis of the literature, the following outcomes can be reported: research on building occupant behaviour relies strongly on quantitative methods, but studies are mostly located in the northern hemisphere and in developed and high-income countries. The dominant research topics associated with occupant behaviour are energy demand and thermal comfort, followed by retrofit and renovation. Most research focuses on technical aspects rather than socio-economic issues. Current research is mostly limited to studies of single buildings and typically lacks data-gathering standards, which makes it hard to conduct cross cultural data comparisons. Most research concentrates on individual topics, such as window, door and blind adjustments, effects of Heating Ventilating Air Condition (HVAC) systems etc. and does not provide a wider, holistic view that can be linked to social and economic factors.

76 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors performed a techno-economic-environmental analysis on the use of different solar tracking systems to find the optimum scenario for reaching the highest efficiency along with emissions that are within the standard range.
Abstract: The ever increasing rate of energy consumption, limited fossil fuels and pollution have made the expansion of renewable resources essential. Due to the suitable solar potential available in Iran, the use of solar energy has been developed more than other renewable resources. In this paper, photovoltaic (PV) panels are hybridized with battery banks and the power grid to provide electricity for 100 residential units and by performing a techno-economic-environmental analysis on the use of different solar tracking systems PV power generation is maximized. The final aim of this paper is to find the optimum scenario for reaching the highest efficiency along with emissions that are within the standard range. Also, the effect of grid sell back on the results is estimated and a sensitivity analysis is performed to generalize the results for other economic and climate conditions. Results show that the use of the solar tracking system significantly reduces the number of needed panels, but this size reduction is not always cost-effective due to the high cost of tracking units. The vertical tracking system indicated the best cost-efficiency with 0.241 $/kWh cost of energy and an average of 23% improvement on the output power. Although the dual-axis tracker improved power production by 32%, it was less cost-efficient. Sensitivity analysis indicated that with 33% renewable fraction and slightly different initial costs, the optimum cost of energy will vary from 0.227 to 0.255 $/kWh.

73 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
17 Oct 2019-Energies
TL;DR: In this article, the benefits and barriers to a wider range of applications in the domestic sector of battery energy storage systems (BESS) are reviewed and evaluated, and existing modelling tools that are key for a better assessment of the impacts of BESS to the grid are also reviewed.
Abstract: Low carbon technologies are necessary to address global warming issues through electricity decabonisation, but their large-scale integration challenges the stability and security of electricity supply. Energy storage can support this transition by bringing flexibility to the grid but since it represents high capital investments, the right choices must be made in terms of the technology and the location point in the network. Most of the potential for storage is achieved when connected further from the load, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a strong candidate for behind-the-meter integration. This work reviews and evaluates the state-of-the-art development of BESS, analysing the benefits and barriers to a wider range of applications in the domestic sector. Existing modelling tools that are key for a better assessment of the impacts of BESS to the grid are also reviewed. It is shown that the technology exists and has potential for including Electric Vehicle battery reuse, however it is still mostly applied to optimise domestic photovoltaic electricity utilisation. The barriers to a wider integration are financial, economic, technical, as well as market and regulation. Increased field trials and robust numerical modelling should be the next step to gain investment confidence and allow BESS to reach their potential.

73 citations