Impact of Microgeneration Systems on the Low-Voltage Electricity Grid

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Impact of Microgeneration Systems on the Low-Voltage Electricity Grid Impact of Microgeneration Systems on the Low-Voltage Electricity Grid Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme October 2014 A Report of Annex 54 “Integration of Micro- Generation and Related Energy Technologies in Buildings” Edited by M. Sasso (Università degli Studi del Sannio, Italy) – Subtask B Leader Evgueniy Entchev (National Resources Canada, Canada) – Operating Agent Peter Tzscheutschler (Technische Universität München, Germany) – Operating Agent On behalf of IEA EBC Annex 54 © Copyright: Copying with reference to “IEA EBC Annex 54 Integration of Micro-Generation and Related Energy Technologies in Buildings” permitted. Technische Universität München, Germany 2014 All property rights, including copyright, are vested in Technische Universität München, Operating Agent for EBC Annex 54, on behalf of the Contracting Parties of the International Energy Agency Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research and Development on Energy in Buildings and Communities. Published by Technische Universität München, Germany, 2014 Disclaimer Notice: This publication has been compiled with reasonable skill and care. However, neither Technische Universität München nor the EBC Contracting Parties (of the International Energy Agency Implementing Agreement for a Programme of Research and Development on Energy in Buildings and Communities) make any representation as to the adequacy or accuracy of the information contained herein, or as to its suitability for any particular application, and accept no responsibility or liability arising out of the use of this publication. The information contained herein does not supersede the requirements given in any national codes, regulations or standards, and should not be regarded as a substitute for the need to obtain specific professional advice for any particular application. Citation: Ken Darcovich, Evgueniy Entchev, et.al: “An International Survey of Electrical and Domestic Hot Water Load Profiles for Micro-cogeneration Performance Simulations”, published by Technische Universität München, Germany, 10/2014 Participating countries in EBC: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, P.R. China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America. This document may be downloaded from: www.iea-ebc.org 2 Impact of Microgeneration Systems on the Low-Voltage Electricity Grid Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme October 2014 A Report of Annex 54 “Integration of Micro- Generation and Related Energy Technologies in Buildings” Authored by: Nick Kelly (University of Strathclyde, UK) M. Sasso (Università degli Studi del Sannio, Italy) G. Angrisani (Università degli Studi del Sannio, Italy) C. Roselli (Università degli Studi del Sannio, Italy) 3 Acknowledgements This report is the result of an international project performed within Annex 54 of the IEA/EBC programme. We would like to express our great appreciation to the participants of Annex 54 for their contribution as well as for the support given by different national bodies. The guidance of the EBC Executive Committee is gratefully acknowledged. Ken Darcovich (Subtask A Leader), Evgueniy Entchev, Peter Tzscheutschler (Operating Agents) 4 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ......................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents ............................................................................................ 5 1 Overview ................................................................................................... 6 2 Microgeneration and the Grid ................................................................... 7 2.1 Characteristics of Contemporary Electricity Generation ........................................................................ 8 2.2 The Challenge Posed By Microgeneration .............................................................................................. 9 3 Impact of Microgeneration on Existing Networks .................................... 13 3.1 Power Flows .......................................................................................................................................... 13 3.2 Voltage Variation .................................................................................................................................. 14 3.3 Harmonics ............................................................................................................................................. 15 4 Accommodating Microgeneration in Current Networks ........................... 17 4.1 Mitigating Microgeneration Impacts in Networks ................................................................................ 17 5 Microgeneration and Future Networks .................................................... 19 5.1 Smart Grids and Virtual Power Plant .................................................................................................... 19 5.2 Control and Communication Mechanisms ............................................................................................ 22 5.3 The Role of Storage in Future Networks ............................................................................................... 23 5.4 Electric Vehicles .................................................................................................................................... 26 6 Conclusions ............................................................................................. 29 6.1 Microgeneration within the Context of Existing Networks ................................................................... 29 6.2 Microgeneration Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................................................. 30 6.3 Microgeneration and Future Networks ................................................................................................ 30 References .................................................................................................... 32 Background Information ............................................................................... 37 Annex 54 ........................................................................................................................................................... 40 5 1 Overview The primary function of Annex 54 is the analysis of microgeneration performance in buildings. Within the context of Annex 54, the term ‘microgeneration’ relates to a broad range of low-carbon technologies that can provide heating, cooling and/or power to buildings and communities. These include fuel cells and engine-based polygeneration systems, heat pumps, PV, micro wind power and biomass. Microgeneration technologies can be deployed individually or in combination (so-called hybrid systems). Whilst the primary use of microgeneration is to service the energy demands of a building or a community, microgeneration technologies could also play a role in wider energy networks such as communal heating schemes or (more typically) local electrical networks. However, the widespread participation of microgeneration in an energy network presupposes that those networks have evolved to accommodate and best utilise the microgeneration resources. Currently, this is rarely the case and microgeneration technologies tend to be connected piecemeal to existing networks, which have been designed to transport power, in one direction, from large central generators to the end user at the end of the network. The role of this report is to set the operation of microgeneration in buildings within this wider operational context. The report therefore focuses on connection into electrical networks and develops two main themes. First, the impact of microgeneration on existing electrical systems is explored. Second, the report looks ahead as to how microgeneration could be best utilised in energy networks – this will encompass approaches to control, related technologies such as energy storage (including hybrid vehicles) and demand-side control. The report draws on studies undertaken by Annex 54 partner organizations, papers presented at recent Microgen conferences [1,2] – organized by Annex members – and work done within the Highly Distributed Energy Futures (HIDEF, 2013) consortium, a group of University partners who were the UK representatives on the Annex. 6 2 Microgeneration and the Grid Building-integrated microgeneration is an emergent technology and as such does not yet make a significant contribution to the overall energy supply. However, the deployment of a range of microgeneration technologies is proceeding apace, though unevenly, throughout the developed world. For example, the most widely deployed microgeneration technology is currently PV; in the EU it is estimated that approximately 70 GW of photovoltaic capacity has been installed to date [3], of which almost half has been installed in Germany [4]. Micro-wind is also rapidly expanding where there is a viable resource. For example 22 MW of micro wind turbine capacity [5] is now installed in the UK as part as a rapid upsurge in microgeneration. In Japan, micro-CHP has gained a foothold in the domestic market with approximately 100,000 residential engine-based units installed and approximately 30,000 PEM fuel-cell-based units installed since 2009 [6]. However, the deployment of micro-CHP and polygeneration in other countries has been less spectacular.
Recommended publications
  • Net Zero by 2050 a Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector Net Zero by 2050
    Net Zero by 2050 A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector Net Zero by 2050 A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector Net Zero by 2050 Interactive iea.li/nzeroadmap Net Zero by 2050 Data iea.li/nzedata INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY The IEA examines the IEA member IEA association full spectrum countries: countries: of energy issues including oil, gas and Australia Brazil coal supply and Austria China demand, renewable Belgium India energy technologies, Canada Indonesia electricity markets, Czech Republic Morocco energy efficiency, Denmark Singapore access to energy, Estonia South Africa demand side Finland Thailand management and France much more. Through Germany its work, the IEA Greece advocates policies Hungary that will enhance the Ireland reliability, affordability Italy and sustainability of Japan energy in its Korea 30 member Luxembourg countries, Mexico 8 association Netherlands countries and New Zealand beyond. Norway Poland Portugal Slovak Republic Spain Sweden Please note that this publication is subject to Switzerland specific restrictions that limit Turkey its use and distribution. The United Kingdom terms and conditions are available online at United States www.iea.org/t&c/ This publication and any The European map included herein are without prejudice to the Commission also status of or sovereignty over participates in the any territory, to the work of the IEA delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area. Source: IEA. All rights reserved. International Energy Agency Website: www.iea.org Foreword We are approaching a decisive moment for international efforts to tackle the climate crisis – a great challenge of our times.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use
    NISTIR 7238 Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use Steven J. Emmerich Tim McDowell Wagdy Anis NISTIR 7238 Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use Steven J. Emmerich Building and Fire Research Laboratory Timothy P. McDowell TESS, Inc. Wagdy Anis Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott Prepared for: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Building Technologies June 2005 U.S. Department of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary Technology Administration Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology Hratch Semerjian, Acting Director ABSTRACT This report presents a simulation study of the energy impact of improving envelope airtightness in U.S. commercial buildings. Despite common assumptions, measurements have shown that typical U.S. commercial buildings are not particularly airtight. Past simulation studies have shown that commercial building envelope leakage can result in significant heating and cooling loads. To evaluate the potential energy savings of an effective air barrier requirement, annual energy simulations were prepared for three nonresidential buildings (a two-story office building, a one-story retail building, and a four-story apartment building) in 5 U.S. cities. A coupled multizone airflow and building energy simulation tool was used to predict the energy use for the buildings at a target tightness level relative to a baseline level based on measurements in existing buildings. Based on assumed blended national average heating and cooling energy prices, predicted potential annual heating and cooling energy cost savings ranged from 3 % to 36 % with the smallest savings occurring in the cooling-dominated climates of Phoenix and Miami.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in Electricity Prices During the Transition Away from Coal by William B
    May 2021 | Vol. 10 / No. 10 PRICES AND SPENDING Trends in electricity prices during the transition away from coal By William B. McClain The electric power sector of the United States has undergone several major shifts since the deregulation of wholesale electricity markets began in the 1990s. One interesting shift is the transition away from coal-powered plants toward a greater mix of natural gas and renewable sources. This transition has been spurred by three major factors: rising costs of prepared coal for use in power generation, a significant expansion of economical domestic natural gas production coupled with a corresponding decline in prices, and rapid advances in technology for renewable power generation.1 The transition from coal, which included the early retirement of coal plants, has affected major price-determining factors within the electric power sector such as operation and maintenance costs, 1 U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS capital investment, and fuel costs. Through these effects, the decline of coal as the primary fuel source in American electricity production has affected both wholesale and retail electricity prices. Identifying specific price effects from the transition away from coal is challenging; however the producer price indexes (PPIs) for electric power can be used to compare general trends in price development across generator types and regions, and can be used to learn valuable insights into the early effects of fuel switching in the electric power sector from coal to natural gas and renewable sources. The PPI program measures the average change in prices for industries based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
    [Show full text]
  • Renewable Energy Australian Water Utilities
    Case Study 7 Renewable energy Australian water utilities The Australian water sector is a large emissions, Melbourne Water also has a Water Corporation are offsetting the energy user during the supply, treatment pipeline of R&D and commercialisation. electricity needs of their Southern and distribution of water. Energy use is These projects include algae for Seawater Desalination Plant by heavily influenced by the requirement treatment and biofuel production, purchasing all outputs from the to pump water and sewage and by advanced biogas recovery and small Mumbida Wind Farm and Greenough sewage treatment processes. To avoid scale hydro and solar generation. River Solar Farm. Greenough River challenges in a carbon constrained Solar Farm produces 10 megawatts of Yarra Valley Water, has constructed world, future utilities will need to rely renewable energy on 80 hectares of a waste to energy facility linked to a more on renewable sources of energy. land. The Mumbida wind farm comprise sewage treatment plant and generating Many utilities already have renewable 22 turbines generating 55 megawatts enough biogas to run both sites energy projects underway to meet their of renewable energy. In 2015-16, with surplus energy exported to the energy demands. planning started for a project to provide electricity grid. The purpose built facility a significant reduction in operating provides an environmentally friendly Implementation costs and greenhouse gas emissions by disposal solution for commercial organic offsetting most of the power consumed Sydney Water has built a diverse waste. The facility will divert 33,000 by the Beenyup Wastewater Treatment renewable energy portfolio made up of tonnes of commercial food waste Plant.
    [Show full text]
  • An Overview of the State of Microgeneration Technologies in the UK
    An overview of the state of microgeneration technologies in the UK Nick Kelly Energy Systems Research Unit Mechanical Engineering University of Strathclyde Glasgow Drivers for Deployment • the UK is a signatory to the Kyoto protocol committing the country to 12.5% cuts in GHG emissions • EU 20-20-20 – reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20% below 1990 levels; 20% of all energy consumption to come from renewable resources; 20% reduction in primary energy use compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency. • UK Climate Change Act 2008 – self-imposed target “to ensure that the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline.” – 5-year ‘carbon budgets’ and caps, carbon trading scheme, renewable transport fuel obligation • Energy Act 2008 – enabling legislation for CCS investment, smart metering, offshore transmission, renewables obligation extended to 2037, renewable heat incentive, feed-in-tariff • Energy Act 2010 – further CCS legislation • plus more legislation in the pipeline .. Where we are in 2010 • in the UK there is very significant growth in large-scale renewable generation – 8GW of capacity in 2009 (up 18% from 2008) – Scotland 31% of electricity from renewable sources 2010 • Microgeneration lags far behind – 120,000 solar thermal installations [600 GWh production] – 25,000 PV installations [26.5 Mwe capacity] – 28 MWe capacity of CHP (<100kWe) – 14,000 SWECS installations 28.7 MWe capacity of small wind systems – 8000 GSHP systems Enabling Microgeneration
    [Show full text]
  • The Opportunity of Cogeneration in the Ceramic Industry in Brazil – Case Study of Clay Drying by a Dry Route Process for Ceramic Tiles
    CASTELLÓN (SPAIN) THE OPPORTUNITY OF COGENERATION IN THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY IN BRAZIL – CASE STUDY OF CLAY DRYING BY A DRY ROUTE PROCESS FOR CERAMIC TILES (1) L. Soto Messias, (2) J. F. Marciano Motta, (3) H. Barreto Brito (1) FIGENER Engenheiros Associados S.A (2) IPT - Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo S.A (3) COMGAS – Companhia de Gás de São Paulo ABSTRACT In this work two alternatives (turbo and motor generator) using natural gas were considered as an application of Cogeneration Heat Power (CHP) scheme comparing with a conventional air heater in an artificial drying process for raw material in a dry route process for ceramic tiles. Considering the drying process and its influence in the raw material, the studies and tests in laboratories with clay samples were focused to investigate the appropriate temperature of dry gases and the type of drier in order to maintain the best clay properties after the drying process. Considering a few applications of CHP in a ceramic industrial sector in Brazil, the study has demonstrated the viability of cogeneration opportunities as an efficient way to use natural gas to complement the hydroelectricity to attend the rising electrical demand in the country in opposition to central power plants. Both aspects entail an innovative view of the industries in the most important ceramic tiles cluster in the Americas which reaches 300 million squares meters a year. 1 CASTELLÓN (SPAIN) 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. The energy scenario in Brazil. In Brazil more than 80% of the country’s installed capacity of electric energy is generated using hydropower.
    [Show full text]
  • Grid Frequency and Amplitude Control Using DFIG Wind Turbines in a Smart Grid
    mathematics Article Grid Frequency and Amplitude Control Using DFIG Wind Turbines in a Smart Grid José Antonio Cortajarena 1,*, Oscar Barambones 2 , Patxi Alkorta 1 and Jon Cortajarena 3 1 Engineering School of Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country, Otaola Hirib. 29, 20600 Eibar, Spain; [email protected] 2 Engineering School of Vitoria, University of the Basque Country, Nieves Cano 12, 01006 Vitoria, Spain; [email protected] 3 Engineering School of Gipuzkoa, University of the Basque Country, Europa Plaza 1, 20018 Donostia, Spain; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-943-033-041 Abstract: Wind-generated energy is a fast-growing source of renewable energy use across the world. A dual-feed induction machine (DFIM) employed in wind generators provides active and reactive, dynamic and static energy support. In this document, the droop control system will be applied to adjust the amplitude and frequency of the grid following the guidelines established for the utility’s smart network supervisor. The wind generator will work with a maximum deloaded power curve, and depending on the reserved active power to compensate the frequency drift, the limit of the reactive power or the variation of the voltage amplitude will be explained. The aim of this paper is to show that the system presented theoretically works correctly on a real platform. The real-time experiments are presented on a test bench based on a 7.5 kW DFIG from Leroy Somer’s commercial machine that is typically used in industrial applications. A synchronous machine that emulates the wind profiles moves the shaft of the DFIG.
    [Show full text]
  • Infiltration Modeling Guidelines for Commercial Building Energy Analysis
    PNNL-18898 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 DOCKET 12-BSTD-1 DATE RECD. MAY 15 2012 Infiltration Modeling Guidelines for Commercial Building Energy Analysis K Gowri D Winiarski R Jarnagin September 2009 ii Executive Summary This report presents a methodology for modeling air infiltration in EnergyPlus to account for envelope air barrier characteristics. Based on a review of various infiltration modeling options available in EnergyPlus and sensitivity analysis, the linear wind velocity coefficient based on DOE-2 infiltration model is recommended. The methodology described in this report can be used to calculate the EnergyPlus infiltration input for any given building level infiltration rate specified at known pressure difference. The sensitivity analysis shows that EnergyPlus calculates the wind speed based on zone altitude, and the linear wind velocity coefficient represents the variation in infiltration heat loss consistent with building location and weather data. EnergyPlus infiltration input is calculated to be 0.2016 cfm/sf of exterior wall area, assuming that uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope can be specified by a baseline leakage rate of 1.8 cfm/sf (@ 0.30 in. w.c) of exterior above grade envelope area (based on ASHRAE SSPC-90.1 Envelope Subcommittee recommendation). iii Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4 2. Building Infiltration Rate ...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Thermal Storage Impact on CHP Cogeneration Performance with Southwoods Case Study Edmonton, Alberta Michael Roppelt C.E.T
    Thermal Storage Impact on CHP Cogeneration Performance with Southwoods Case Study Edmonton, Alberta Michael Roppelt C.E.T. CHP Cogeneration Solar PV Solar Thermal Grid Supply Thermal Storage GeoExchange RenewableAlternative & LowEnergy Carbon Microgrid Hybrid ConventionalSystemSystem System Optional Solar Thermal Option al Solar PV CNG & BUILDING OR Refueling COMMUNITY Station CHP Cogeneration SCALE 8 DEVELOPMENT Hot Water Hot Water DHW Space Heating $ SAVINGS GHG OPERATING Thermal Energy Cool Water Exchange & Storage ElectricalMicro Micro-Grid-Grid Thermal Microgrid Moving Energy not Wasting Energy Natural Gas Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cogeneration $350,000 2,500,000 kWh RETAILINPUT OUTPUT VALUE NATURAL GAS $400,000. $100,000.30,000 Gj (85% Efficiency) CHP $50,000 Cogeneration15,000 Energy Gj Technologies CHP Unit Sizing Poorly sized units will not perform optimally which will cancel out the benefits. • For optimal efficiency, CHP units should be designed to provide baseline electrical or thermal output. • A plant needs to operate as many hours as possible, since idle plants produce no benefits. • CHP units have the ability to modulate, or change their output in order to meet fluctuating demand. Meeting Electric Power Demand Energy Production Profile 700 Hourly Average 600 353 January 342 February 500 333 March 324 April 400 345 May 300 369 June 400 July 200 402 August 348 September 100 358 October 0 362 November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Meeting Heat Demand with CHP Cogeneration Energy Production Profile Heat Demand (kWh) Electric Demand (kWh) Cogen Heat (kWh) Waste Heat Heat Shortfall Useable Heat CHP Performance INEFFICIENCY 15% SPACE HEATING DAILY AND HEAT 35% SEASONAL ELECTRICAL 50% IMBALANCE 35% 50% DHW 15% Industry Studies The IEA works to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its 30 member countries and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Electrical Modeling of a Thermal Power Station
    Electrical Modeling of a Thermal Power Station Reinhard Kaisinger Degree project in Electric Power Systems Second Level Stockholm, Sweden 2011 XR-EE-ES 2011:010 ELECTRICAL MODELING OF A THERMAL POWER STATION Reinhard Kaisinger Masters’ Degree Project Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) Stockholm, Sweden 2011 XR-EE-ES 2011:010 Table of Contents Page ABSTRACT V SAMMANFATTNING VI ACKNOWLEDGEMENT VII ORGANIZATION OF THE REPORT VIII 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 BACKGROUND 3 2.1 Facilities in a Thermal Power Plant 3 2.2 Thermal Power Plant Operation 4 2.2.1 Fuel and Combustion 4 2.2.2 Rankine Cycle 4 2.3 Thermal Power Plant Control 6 2.3.1 Turbine Governor 7 2.4 Amagerværket Block 1 7 2.5 Frequency Control 9 2.5.1 Frequency Control in the ENTSO-E RG Continental Europe Power System 9 2.5.2 Frequency Control in the ENTSO-E RG Nordic Power System 10 2.5.3 Decentralized Frequency Control Action 11 2.5.4 Centralized Frequency Control Action 12 3 MODELING 14 3.1 Modeling and Simulation Software 14 3.1.1 Acausality 14 3.1.2 Differential-Algebraic Equations 15 3.1.3 The ObjectStab Library 15 3.1.4 The ThermoPower Library 16 3.2 Connectors 16 3.3 Synchronous Generator 17 3.4 Steam Turbine 22 3.5 Control Valves 23 3.6 Boiler, Re-heater and Condenser 23 3.7 Overall Steam Cycle 23 3.8 Excitation System and Power System Stabilizer 24 3.9 Turbine Governor 25 3.10 Turbine-Generator Shaft 26 3.11 Overall Model 26 3.12 Boundary Conditions 27 3.13 Simplifications within the Model 28 3.13.1 Steam Cycle 28 3.13.2 Governor 28 3.13.3 Valves and Valve Characteristics 29 3.13.4
    [Show full text]
  • Two-Stage Radial Turbine for a Small Waste Heat Recovery
    energies Article Two-Stage Radial Turbine for a Small Waste Heat y Recovery Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) Plant Ambra Giovannelli *, Erika Maria Archilei and Coriolano Salvini Department of Engineering, University of Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale, 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; [email protected] (E.M.A.); [email protected] (C.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-06-57333424 This work is an extended version of the paper presented at the 5th International Conference on Energy and y Environment Research ICEER 22–25 July 2019 held in Aveiro, Portugal and published in Energy Reports. Received: 21 January 2020; Accepted: 24 February 2020; Published: 27 February 2020 Abstract: Looking at the waste heat potential made available by industry, it can be noted that there are many sectors where small scale (< 100 kWe) organic Rankine cycle (ORC) plants could be applied to improve the energy efficiency. Such plants are quite challenging from the techno-economic point of view: the temperature of the primary heat source poses a low cutoff to the system thermodynamic efficiency. Therefore, high-performance components are needed, but, at the same time, they have to be at low cost as possible to assure a reasonable payback time. In this paper, the design of a two-stage radial in-flow turbine for small ORC industrial plants is presented. Compared to commonly applied mono-stage expanders (both volumetric and dynamic), this novel turbine enables plants to exploit higher pressure ratios than conventional plants. Thus, the theoretical limit to the cycle efficiency is enhanced with undoubted benefits on the overall ORC plant performance.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Energy Storage Technologies' Application
    sustainability Review A Review of Energy Storage Technologies’ Application Potentials in Renewable Energy Sources Grid Integration Henok Ayele Behabtu 1,2,* , Maarten Messagie 1, Thierry Coosemans 1, Maitane Berecibar 1, Kinde Anlay Fante 2 , Abraham Alem Kebede 1,2 and Joeri Van Mierlo 1 1 Mobility, Logistics, and Automotive Technology Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; [email protected] (M.M.); [email protected] (T.C.); [email protected] (M.B.); [email protected] (A.A.K.); [email protected] (J.V.M.) 2 Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jimma Institute of Technology, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 378, Ethiopia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +32-485659951 or +251-926434658 Received: 12 November 2020; Accepted: 11 December 2020; Published: 15 December 2020 Abstract: Renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind and solar are frequently hit by fluctuations due to, for example, insufficient wind or sunshine. Energy storage technologies (ESTs) mitigate the problem by storing excess energy generated and then making it accessible on demand. While there are various EST studies, the literature remains isolated and dated. The comparison of the characteristics of ESTs and their potential applications is also short. This paper fills this gap. Using selected criteria, it identifies key ESTs and provides an updated review of the literature on ESTs and their application potential to the renewable energy sector. The critical review shows a high potential application for Li-ion batteries and most fit to mitigate the fluctuation of RESs in utility grid integration sector.
    [Show full text]