Optimal sizing of a grid independent renewable heating system for building decarbonisation

Chen, S., Friedrich, D. and Yu, Z. (2021) Optimal sizing of a grid independent renewable heating system for building decarbonisation. Frontiers in Energy Research, 9, 746268. (doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2021.746268)

Abstract

As the use of fossil fuels has led to global climate change due to global warming, most countries are aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the application of renewable energies. Due to the distributed and seasonal heating demand, the decarbonisation of heating is more challenging, especially for countries that are cold in winters. Electrically powered heat pumps are considered as an attractive solution for decarbonising heating sector. Since grid-powered heat pumps may significantly increase the power demand of the grid, this paper considers using local renewable energy to provide power for heat pumps, which is known as the grid independent renewable heating system including photovoltaic, wind turbine, battery storage system and thermal energy storage. This paper investigates a complete renewable heating system (RHS) framework and sizing the components to decarbonise building heating. The relationship between the reduction of gas consumption and the requirement of battery storage system (BSS) under the corresponding installation capacity of renewable components is analysed with their technical requirements. Then, according to different investment plans, this paper uses the particle swarm optimisation algorithm for optimal sizing of each component in the RHS to find a solution to minimise CO2 emissions. The results verify that the RHS with optimal sizing can minimise CO2 emissions and reduce the operational cost of natural gas. This work provides a feasible solution of how to invest the RHS to replace the existing heating system based on gas boilers and CHPs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The research presented in this article was undertaken as part of a project joint founded by Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), SP Distribution PLC (Scottish Power), grant number 146.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Chen, Dr Si and Yu, Professor Zhibin
• Authors: Chen, S., Friedrich, D., and Yu, Z.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Frontiers in Energy Research
• Publisher: Frontiers Media
• ISSN: 2296-598X
• ISSN (Online): 2296-598X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Chen, Friedrich and Yu
• First Published: First published in Frontiers in Energy Research 9: 742628
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License