Simulation of energy scenarios for the transition of an urban neighborhood into a renewable energy community
Main Article Content
Abstract
The design of renewable energy communities requires multi-disciplinary approaches to identify the most promising solutions from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. Indeed, different simulations tools can be adopted, ranging from urban modelling to energy planning methods. In this framework, this research focused on the Santa Chiara district in Trento, Italy, to assess the performance of different decarbonization strategies, encompassing fossil and renewable energy systems. To achieve this goal, the district energy balance, CO2 emissions, total costs, and impact of incentives for energy communities were analyzed for each scenario. Furthermore, the effects of current and future hot climatic conditions were investigated, coupling urban building energy modelling (umi) and energy planning codes (EnergyPLAN).
Results highlighted major modifications to the energy balance of the district due to climate change, with an important increase of space cooling needs. Heat pumps coupled with photovoltaic and solar thermal panels were identified as the most suitable solution, effectively contributing to the transformation of the considered district into an energy community. Finally, the adopted methodology pointed out the relevant role played by different calculation tools when used in an integrated workflow, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the available urban decarbonization strategies and more robust design choices.
Article Details
Articles published in International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management are following the license Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License: Attribution - NonCommercial - NoDerivs (by-nc-nd). Further information about Creative Commons
Authors can archive post-print (final draft post-refereering) on personal websites or institutional repositories under these conditions:
- Publishers version cannot be stored elsewhere but on publishers homepage
- Published source must be acknowledged
- Must link to publisher version
References
European Commission. The European Green Deal. Brussels, Belgium: European Commission; 2019. URL: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en
European Commission. Energy efficiency in buildings. Brussels, Belgium: European Commission; 2020. URL: https://commission.europa.eu/news/focus-energy-efficiency-buildings-2020-02-17_en
European Parliament & Council of the European Union, Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings, Official Journal of the European Union (2010) L153/13. URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32010L0031
Vitali Roscini A, Rapf O, & Kockat J. On the way to a climate neutral Europe: contributions from the buildings sector to a strengthened 2030 climate target. Brussels, Belgium: Buildings Performance Institute Europe BPIE; 2020. URL: https://www.bpie.eu/publication/on-the-way-to-a-climate-neutral-europe-contributions-from-the-building-sector-to-a-strengthened-2030-target/
European Commission. Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Renovation Wave for Europe - greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives (COM(2020) 662 final). Brussels, Belgium: European Commission; 2020. URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0662
European Parliament & Council of the European Union, Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast). Official Journal of the European Union (2018) L328/82. URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32018L2001
Buckley N, Mills G, Reinhart C, & Berzolla ZM, Using urban building energy modelling (UBEM) to support the new European Union’s Green Deal: Case study of Dublin Ireland, Energy and Buildings 247 (2021) 111115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111115
Perwez U, Shono K, Yamaguchi Y, & Shimoda Y, Multi-scale UBEM-BIPV coupled approach for the assessment of carbon neutrality of commercial building stock, Energy and Buildings 291 (2023) 113086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113086
Ferrando M, Causone F, Hong T, & Chen Y, Urban building energy modeling (UBEM) tools: A state-of-the-art review of bottom-up physics-based approaches, Sustainable Cities and Society 62 (2020) 102408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102408
Battini F, Pernigotto G, & Gasparella A, District-level validation of a shoeboxing simplification algorithm to speed-up Urban Building Energy Modeling simulations, Applied Energy 349 (2023) 121570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121570
Dogan T, & Reinhart C, Automated conversion of architectural massing models into Thermal “Shoebox” models. In Wurtz E, editor. Proceedings of Building Simulation 2013: 13th Conference of IBPSA. Toronto, Canada: IBPSA; 2013. p 3745–3752. https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2013.1123
Mansó Borràs I, Neves D, & Gome R, Using urban building energy modeling data to assess energy communities’ potential, Energy and Buildings 282 (2023), 112791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112791
Ferrari S, Zagarella F, Caputo P., & Bonomolo M, Assessment of tools for urban energy planning, Energy 176 (2019) p 544-551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.04.054
Vecchi F, Stasi R, & Berardi U, Modelling tools for the assessment of Renewable Energy Communities, Energy Reports 11 (2024) p 3941-3962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2024.03.048
Lund H, Thellufsen JZ, Østergaard PA, Sorknæs P, Skov IR, & Mathiesen BV, EnergyPLAN – Advanced analysis of smart energy systems, Smart Energy 1 (2024) 100007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2021.100007
Østergaard PA, Lund H, Thellufsen JZ, Sorknæs P, & Mathiesen BV, Review and validation of EnergyPLAN, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 168 (2022) 112724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112724
Prina MG, Barchi G, Osti S, & Moser D, Optimal future energy mix assessment considering the risk of supply for seven European countries in 2030 and 2050, e-Prime - Advances in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Energy 5 (2023) 100179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prime.2023.100179
Østergaard PA, Jantzen J, Marczinkowski HM, & Kristensen M, Business and socioeconomic assessment of introducing heat pumps with heat storage in small-scale district heating systems, Renewable Energy 139 (2019) p 904-914. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.02.140
Prina MG, Moser D, Vaccaro R, & Sparber W, EPLANopt optimization model based on EnergyPLAN applied at regional level: the future competition on excess electricity production from renewables, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 27 (2020) p 35–50. http://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.3504
Battista G, Vollaro EDL, Vallati A, & Vollaro RDL, Technical–Financial Feasibility Study of a Micro-Cogeneration System in the Buildings in Italy, Energies 16(14) (2023) 5512. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145512
Groppi D, Astiaso Garcia D, Lo Basso G, & De Santoli L, Synergy between smart energy systems simulation tools for greening small Mediterranean islands, Renewable Energy 135 (2019) p 515-524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.12.043
Thomas D, Deblecker O, & Ioakimidis CS, Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of an autonomous small isolated microgrid aiming at high RES penetration, Energy 116(1) (2016) p 364-379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.09.119
Prina MG, Cozzini M, Garegnani G, Moser D, Filippi Oberegger U, Vaccaro R, Sparber W, Smart Energy Systems Applied at Urban Level: The Case of the Municipality of Bressanone-Brixen, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 10 (2016) p 33-52. https://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.2016.10.4
Thellufsen JZ, & Lund H, Roles of local and national energy systems in the integration of renewable energy, Applied Energy 183 (2016) p 419-429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.09.005
Lund H, Østergaard PA, Connolly D, Ridjan I, Mathiesen BV, Hvelplund F, Thellufsen ZF, Sorknæs P, Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 11 (2016) p 3–14. https://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.2016.11.2
Calvillo CF, Sánchez-Miralles A, & Villar J, Energy management and planning in smart cities, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 55 (2016) p 273-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.133
Mathiesen BV, Lund RS, Connolly D, Ridjan I, & Nielsen S. Copenhagen Energy Vision: A sustainable vision for bringing a Capital to 100% renewable energy. Aalborg, Denmark: Aalborg Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University; 2015. URL: https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/209592938/Copenhagen_Energy_Vision_2050_report.pdf
City of New York. One New York: The Plan for a Strong and Just City. New York, US: City of New York; 2015. URL: https://climate.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/OneNYC-2050-Summary.pdf
Viesi D, Mahbub SM, Brandi A, Thellufsen JZ, Østergaard PA, Lund H, Baratieri M, Crema L, Multi-objective optimization of an energy community: an integrated and dynamic approach for full decarbonisation in the European Alps, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 38 (2023) p 8–29. https://doi.org/10.54337/ijsepm.7607
Østergaard PA, Mathiesen BV, Möller B, & Lund H, A renewable energy scenario for Aalborg Municipality based on low-temperature geothermal heat, wind power and biomass, Energy 35(12) (2010) p 4892-4901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2010.08.041
Lund H, & Østergaard PA, Sustainable Towns: The Case of Frederikshavn – 100% Renewable Energy. In Clark WW, editor. Sustainable Communities. New York, US: Springer; 2009. p 155–168. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0219-1_11
Menapace A, Thellufsen JZ, Pernigotto G, Roberti F, Gasparella A, Righetti M, Baratieri M, & Lund H, The design of 100 % renewable smart urb an energy systems: The case of Bozen-Bolzano, Energy 207 (2020) 118198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.118198
Hu G, Ma X, & Ji J, Scenarios and policies for sustainable urban energy development based on LEAP model – A case study of a postindustrial city: Shenzhen China, Applied Energy 238 (2019) p 876-886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.01.162
Arabzadeh V, & Lund PD, Effect of Heat Demand on Integration of Urban Large-Scale Renewable Schemes—Case of Helsinki City (60 °N), Energies 13(9) (2020) 2164. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13092164
Battini F, Pernigotto G, Morandi F, Gasparella A, & Kämpf JH, Assessment of Subsidization Strategies for Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy Efficiency Measures for Building Renovation at District Scale, Energies 16(15) (2023) 5780. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16155780
InCUBE. URL: https://incubeproject.eu/
Roman O, Farella EM, Rigon S, Remondino F, Ricciuti S, & Viesi D, From 3D surveying data to BIM to BEM: the InCUBE dataset, The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences 48 (2023) p 175-182. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-1-W3-2023-175-2023
Ziozas N, Kitsopoulou A, Bellos E, Iliadis P, Gonidaki D, Angelakoglou K, Nikolopoulos N, Ricciuti S, & Viesi D, Energy Performance Analysis of the Renovation Process in an Italian Cultural Heritage Building, Sustainability 16(7) (2024) 2784. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072784
Municipality of Trento. Decree 163/2018 (in Italian). URL: https://www.comune.trento.it/Comune/Atti-e-albo-pretorio/Deliberazioni/Deliberazioni-di-Consiglio/Delibera-163-del-2018-Consiglio-Comunale
Italian Government. Decreto interministeriale 26 giugno 2015 - Applicazione delle metodologie di calcolo delle prestazioni energetiche e definizione delle prescrizioni e dei requisiti minimi degli edifici (in Italian), Supplemento ordinario alla Gazzetta Ufficiale 162 (2015) Serie generale. URL: https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/gu/2015/07/15/162/so/39/sg/pdf
Cerezo C, Sokol J, AlKhaled S, Reinhart C, Al-Mumin A, & Hajiah A, Comparison of four building archetype characterization methods in urban building energy modeling (UBEM): A residential case study in Kuwait City, Energy and Buildings 154 (2017) p 321-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.08.029
Buckley N, Mills G, Letellier-Duchesne S, & Benis K, Designing an Energy-Resilient Neighbourhood Using an Urban Building Energy Model, Energies 14(15) (2021) 4445. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14154445
Bonati A, De Luca G, Fabozzi S, Massarotti N, & Vanoli L, The integration of exergy criterion in energy planning analysis for 100% renewable system, Energy 174 (2019) p 749–767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.02.089
CTI Comitato Termotecnico Italiano (CTI). Test reference years for thermotechnical applications. Milan, Italy: CTI; 2016. URL: https://try.cti2000.it/
Pernigotto G, Prada A, & Gasparella A, Extreme reference years for building energy performance simulation, Journal of Building Performance Simulation 13(2) (2020) p 152–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/19401493.2019.1585477
US Government DoE. Prototype Building Models | Building Energy Codes Program. 2023. URL: https://www.energycodes.gov/prototype-building-models
Ente Nazionale Italiano di Normazione (UNI). UNI/TS 11300-1-Energy Performance of Buildings Part 1: Evaluation of Energy need for Space Heating and Cooling. Milan, Italy: UNI; 2014.
Ente Nazionale Italiano di Normazione (UNI). UNI 10339 Air-conditioning systems for thermal comfort in buildings. General, classification and requirements. Offer, order and supply specifications. Milan, Italy: UNI; 1995.
Tomc E, & Vassallo AM, Community electricity and storage central management for multi-dwelling developments: an analysis of operating options, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 17 (2018) p 15–30. https://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.2018.17.3
van Leeuwen R, de Wit JB, & Smit GJ, Energy scheduling model to optimize transition routes towards 100% renewable urban districts, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 13 (2017) p 19–46. https://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.2017.13.3
Heinisch V, Göransson L, Odenberger M, & Johnsson F, Interconnection of the electricity and heating sectors to support the energy transition in cities, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 24 (2019) p 57–66. https://doi.org/10.5278/ijsepm.3328
Pasqui M, Vaccaro G, Lubello P, Milazzo A, & Carcasci C, Heat pumps and thermal energy storages centralised management in a Renewable Energy Community, International Journal of Sustainable Energy Planning and Management 38 (2023) p 65–82. https://doi.org/10.54337/ijsepm.7625
Bracco S, Delfino F, Ferro G, Pagnini L, Robba M, & Rossi M, Energy planning of sustainable districts: Towards the exploitation of small size intermittent renewables in urban areas, Applied Energy 228 (2018) p 2288-2297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.07.074
Viesi D, Crema L, Mahbub MS, Verones S, Brunelli R, Baggio P, Fauri M, Prada A, Bello A, Nodari B, Silvestri S, & Tomasi L, Integrated and dynamic energy modelling of a regional system: A cost-optimized approach in the deep decarbonisation of the Province of Trento (Italy), Energy 209 (2020) 118378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.118378
Gestore dei Mercati Energetici SpA (GME). Electricity Market. Rome, Italy: GME; 2023. URL: https://www.mercatoelettrico.org/en/Default.aspx
Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (Arera). Data and statistics (“Dati e Statistiche”, in Italian). Milan, Italy: Arera; 2023. URL: https://www.arera.it/dati-e-statistiche
Snam SpA and Terna SpA. Documento di Descrizione degli Scenari 2022. URL: https://download.terna.it/terna/Documento_Descrizione_Scenari_2022_8da74044f6ee28d.pdf
Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment (Arera). Integrated Text of the Provisions of the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and Environment for the Regulation of Diffuse Self-Consumption – Attachment A (“Testo Integrato delle Disposizioni dell’Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e Ambiente per la Regolazione dell’Autoconsumo Diffuso – Allegato A alla deliberazione 727/2022/R/eel come integrato e modificato dalla deliberazione 15/2024/R/eel”, in Italian). Milan, Italy: Arera; 2024. URL: https://www.arera.it/fileadmin/allegati/docs/22/727-22TIAD.pdf