Construction of an economic evaluation model for regional energy systems based on thermal energy storage technology

This study constructs an economic evaluation model with the dual objectives of minimizing lifecycle costs and maximizing energy efficiency. This model employs a three-tiered "parameter-indicator-optimization" architecture. Its core approach is to dynamically couple the charge-discharge efficiency decay curves of thermal energy storage devices with regional load fluctuation coefficients to establish an hourly cost-benefit mapping. This coupling addresses static parameter flaws in existing models and improves alignment with real operating conditions. The model incorporates six economic indicators and uses MATLAB/SIMULINK as its core simulation platform. Four benchmark cases (covering different climate zones and user types) and 27 comparison scenarios are designed. Simulation results show that Case 2 (Shanghai Commercial Complex) is optimal with a 1000 kWh thermal storage capacity and a medium subsidy, achieving an net present value (NPV) of 1.286 million Yuan and an ECR of 1.42. For every 0.1 Yuan/kWh increase in sub?sidy, the NPV increases by an average of 18.3%. The CER was linearly correlated with the thermal storage capacity (R2 = 0.98). Case 3 (Haikou Industrial Park) achieved a unit thermal storage carbon reduction benefit of 3500 Yuan per kWh, 1.5 times that of Case 1.