In a groundbreaking study published in Energies, Liang Zhang, a researcher at the School of Electrical Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, has introduced a novel approach to optimizing the capacity configuration of integrated energy systems (IES). This research, which combines power-to-gas (P2G) technology with liquid carbon dioxide energy storage (LCES) and demand response (DR), offers a promising solution to the energy sector’s pressing challenges of carbon emission reduction and efficient energy utilization.
Zhang’s work addresses the increasing demand for energy and the scarcity of traditional energy sources, which have led to severe environmental pollution problems. By integrating renewable and traditional energy sources, IES can improve the utilization rate of clean energy, enhance operational economy, and reduce environmental pollution. “The key to addressing these issues lies in the efficient integration and conversion of different types of energy,” Zhang explains. “Our model not only optimizes the system’s economic efficiency but also significantly reduces carbon emissions.”
The study constructs a two-layer collaborative optimization configuration model for IES. The upper layer focuses on minimizing the annual total cost of the system, while the lower layer aims to minimize the annual operation cost. This dual-layer approach ensures that the system is both economically viable and environmentally friendly. The integration of P2G and LCES technologies plays a crucial role in this optimization. P2G technology converts excess renewable energy into natural gas, increasing the system’s absorption rate of wind and solar energy. LCES, on the other hand, offers high energy storage density, a flexible and compact structure, and long-term, large-scale energy storage capabilities.
One of the most innovative aspects of Zhang’s research is the incorporation of demand response (DR) into the IES model. DR allows users to adjust their energy consumption habits based on energy prices, reducing the peak-to-valley difference and lowering operation and investment costs. “By considering DR, we can optimize the load curve, increase the configured capacity of LCES, and ultimately lower the system’s annual total cost,” Zhang notes. This approach not only benefits the energy providers but also encourages users to adopt more sustainable energy consumption practices.
The study’s findings are compelling. The optimized IES model reduces the system’s carbon emissions by 31.03% and lowers the annual total cost by 7.26%. These results highlight the potential of integrating P2G, LCES, and DR in IES to create a more sustainable and cost-effective energy system. The sensitivity analysis of methane prices further underscores the economic viability of this approach, showing that the configured capacities of P2G and LCES are most sensitive in specific price ranges.
This research has significant implications for the energy sector. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, the need for efficient and sustainable energy systems becomes more pressing. Zhang’s work provides a feasible solution for IES capacity configuration, offering a roadmap for future developments in the field. By optimizing the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage technologies, this approach can help reduce carbon emissions, lower costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of energy systems.
The study, published in Energies, marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. As the energy sector continues to evolve, Zhang’s research offers valuable insights and practical solutions for optimizing integrated energy systems. The findings of this study are likely to shape future developments in the field, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy future.
