Optimal municipal energy system design and operation using cumulative exergy consumption minimisation

Abstract

In developed countries like Austria the renewable energy potential might outpace the demand. This requires primary energy efficiency measures as well as an energy system design that enables the integration of variable renewable energy sources. Municipal energy systems, which supply customers with heat and electricity, will play an important role in this task. The cumulative exergy consumption methodology considers resource consumption from the raw material to the final product. It includes the exergetic expenses for imported energy as well as for building the energy infrastructure. In this paper, we determine the exergy optimal energy system design of an exemplary municipal energy system by using cumulative exergy consumption minimisation. The results of a case study show that well a linked electricity and heat system using heat pumps, combined heat power plants and battery and thermal storages is necessary. This enables an efficient supply and also provides the necessary flexibilities for integrating variable renewable energy sources.