Community multi-vector heat and power systems: A use-case simulation study

There is an urgent need to improve energy systems and prevent greenhouse gases emissions. A multi-vector approach to energy will allow for increased control and flexibility, leading to peak load shaving, lower operational costs, better efficiencies and the integration of sustainable technologies. The results of a use-case simulation study are presented, with the aim of understanding what community heat and power network configuration will facilitate lowering operational cost by maximising government subsidies and CO2 emissions. Seven residential homes and a low-temperature heat network at the University of Nottingham's Creative Energy Homes site were used as a basis for the models. Results for all use-cases were compared against the UK standard model of local gas boilers for heating, and mains electricity from a standard tariff. The best use-case had an annual saving of 20,757 kgCO2eq and £18,541 compared to the base case. Energy systems with the best performance had a high proportion of solar thermal heat, backup heating from heat pumps connected to a large thermal store, solar photovoltaic and mains electricity from a renewables-only tariff, and a community battery. Whereas the worst had a high proportion of gas or biomass boilers, and immersion heaters with a standard electricity tariff.