In an era where energy efficiency is more than just a buzzword, a groundbreaking study led by Soad Abokhamis Mousavi from the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts at Final International University in Kyrenia, Türkiye, has shed light on how hotels can significantly optimize their energy consumption. Published in ‘IEEE Access’, this research proposes a novel regulatory framework known as the Hotel Renewable Energy Incentive Program (HREIP), which integrates battery energy storage systems with renewable energy sources.
Hotels are notorious for their high energy consumption, and this study highlights the pressing need for solutions that not only cut costs but also enhance reliability. “Power outages can be disastrous for hotels, impacting guest experience and operational efficiency,” Mousavi explains. The HREIP aims to address these challenges head-on, providing a structured approach to harnessing renewable energy while ensuring that hotels can store and utilize excess energy efficiently.
The innovative framework employs mixed integer nonlinear programming to determine the optimal battery capacity, allowing hotels to generate and store excess energy more effectively. This is a game changer. By feeding excess energy back into the grid, hotels can not only reduce their energy costs but also tap into new revenue streams. The research found that implementing the HREIP led to a remarkable cost reduction from $1,042.20 to $944.84, translating to a 9.3% decrease in energy expenses compared to traditional policies like net metering (NM) and feed-in tariffs (FiT).
Moreover, the contribution of renewable energy sources saw a significant uptick. Without any policy in place, renewable energy accounted for just 30% of hotel energy use. However, under the HREIP, this figure climbed to 31%, with further increases in the FiT and NM schemes reaching 41% and 43%, respectively. This shift not only underscores the potential of the HREIP but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices in the hospitality sector.
The implications of this research extend beyond just hotels. As the energy sector grapples with the dual challenges of rising costs and the urgent need for sustainability, frameworks like the HREIP could pave the way for broader applications across various industries. Mousavi’s work signals a shift towards smarter energy management practices that can lead to substantial environmental benefits while keeping the bottom line in check.
For those interested in exploring these findings further, the full article is available in ‘IEEE Access’, which translates to ‘IEEE Access’ in English. You can also learn more about Mousavi’s work and the university’s initiatives by visiting Final International University. This research not only promises to reshape energy consumption in hotels but could also inspire a wave of innovations aimed at enhancing energy efficiency across multiple sectors.
