In the heart of Spain, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about energy communities and the distributed energy resources (DERs) that power them. Led by Morsy Nour, a researcher at the Institute for Research in Technology (IIT) at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, and the Department of Electrical Engineering at Aswan University in Egypt, this innovative work is set to revolutionize the way we plan and operate local energy systems.
The research, published in the journal Results in Engineering, focuses on optimizing the planning and operation of DERs within energy communities (ECs). These communities, which allow local energy trading between customers, have garnered significant interest from both academia and industry. However, most existing studies have overlooked the crucial aspect of optimal planning and integration of DERs, which is essential for maximizing benefits and minimizing expenses.
Nour’s study addresses this gap by proposing a linear programming model for the optimal planning and operation of DERs in a residential energy community. The model includes photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage (BES), and electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to minimize the EC’s total annual costs, including investment, maintenance, operation, and energy costs.
“The high cost of DERs makes it imperative to optimally size these resources within energy communities,” Nour explains. “Our approach not only reduces annual costs but also empowers end users to take an active role in energy systems, fostering a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape.”
The simulation results are impressive. Optimal planning reduces annual costs by 10.95% compared to scenarios without optimal PV and BES planning. Sensitivity analysis further reveals that decreasing the investment costs of BES by 30%, increasing electricity prices by 40%, or decreasing the electricity selling price by 40% could make BES installation feasible for more households within the energy community.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to shape future developments in the energy sector. By optimizing the planning and operation of DERs, energy communities can achieve greater efficiency, reduced costs, and increased sustainability. This has significant commercial implications, as it opens up new opportunities for energy providers, technology developers, and end users alike.
“The energy sector is on the cusp of a major transformation,” Nour notes. “Our research provides a roadmap for navigating this transition, ensuring that energy communities can thrive in a decentralized and sustainable energy future.”
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, studies like Nour’s will be instrumental in driving innovation and shaping policy. By focusing on optimal planning and operation, we can create energy communities that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also empowering for end users. The future of energy is local, and this research is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.
For those interested in delving deeper into the technical details, the full study is available in the journal Results in Engineering, which translates to Results in Engineering in English. This research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of energy communities to transform the way we think about and use energy.
