In the heart of Tehran, researchers are pioneering a new approach to make high-rise residential buildings more sustainable and cost-effective. Soroush Mousavi, a researcher at the College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, has developed a novel method to optimize the sizing of renewable energy systems in buildings, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the energy sector.
Mousavi’s study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, tackles the uncertainties of grid power, the variability of renewable energy sources, and the ever-present risk of power shortages. His solution? A two-step multi-objective optimization approach combined with a rule-based battery sizing strategy. This method aims to identify the best energy management scenarios and appropriate energy storage solutions, ultimately mitigating the drawbacks of hybrid renewable energy systems.
The research begins with modeling a high-rise residential building using EnergyPlus software. Mousavi implemented a variable temperature setpoint for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, striking a balance between thermal comfort and energy savings. “The key is to find that sweet spot where residents are comfortable, but the building isn’t guzzling energy,” Mousavi explains.
Once the simulation results were imported into Python, Mousavi applied a multi-objective optimization approach to integrate renewable energy solutions. But how to choose the best option among various alternatives? That’s where a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method comes in. This tool helps identify the optimal solution, considering multiple conflicting criteria.
The findings are promising. Battery sizing, it turns out, is crucial for optimizing hybrid energy systems. Excess electricity can be sold back to the grid, turning buildings into potential power plants. The study found that the annual total cost of the optimized hybrid renewable energy system for renewable energy generation varies by city, with Tabriz at $0.18/kWh, Tehran at $0.2/kWh, and Yazd at $0.17/kWh. Moreover, the proposed hybrid renewable energy system can potentially sell 30%, 24%, and 23% of their annual renewable energy generation to the grid in Tabriz, Tehran, and Yazd, respectively.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? For one, it opens up new avenues for commercial opportunities. Buildings could become not just energy consumers, but also energy producers, selling excess power back to the grid. This could disrupt traditional energy markets, with buildings competing with power plants.
Moreover, this research could shape future developments in smart cities and sustainable urban planning. As cities grow and energy demands increase, solutions like Mousavi’s could help mitigate the strain on power grids and reduce carbon footprints.
But the implications go beyond commercial impacts. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex energy challenges. It’s a testament to the power of combining building science, renewable energy technologies, and advanced optimization techniques.
As Mousavi puts it, “The future of energy is not just about generating power; it’s about managing it intelligently.” And with studies like this, we’re one step closer to that future.