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Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 March 2023) | Viewed by 22969

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rosaria Volpe

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: distributed generation; energy production; biomass; energy management; carbon capture and storage; applied thermodynamics and heat transfer
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Alberto Fichera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: renewable energy; microcogeneration; energy policies; sustainable cities; energy demand; low-carbon technologies; energy management; CFD
Dr. Samiran Samanta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
Interests: biomass gasification; SOFC; MCFC; carbon capture; solar thermal systems; refrigeration systems; ORC; CO2-based power and refrigeration cycle

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transition towards decentralization and decarbonisation. In this context, renewable energy-based production systems have contributed to raising awareness on the role of prosumers, i.e. consumers with production capabilities. The energy produced by consumers is used for the satisfaction of their own energy needs; however, exceeding production can be distributed within the neighbourhood, thus allowing for the creation of a local decentralized energy distribution network. This will also reduce the use of conventional fossil-fuel-based centralized grid supply, leading to a carbon-free future. The shaping of this new distribution pattern is a topic highly discussed within the scientific community. Currently, however, there is still the need for proper methodologies, models, strategies, and perspectives that could be inspiring for scientists and urban planners in the definition of energy action plans favouring the diffusion of distributed renewable energy systems in urban areas and enhancing the role of prosumers within the distribution process. Among the manifold issues that need to be further investigated, the impact of autonomous decisions of prosumers on national and centralized energy distribution deserves particular attention. In this direction, the distribution potential of different energy technology solutions should be assessed to properly orient urban planners in the measurement of urban energy performances. Besides, it is fundamental to evaluate the socioeconomic and environmental aspects related to these local networks. Under these premises, several investigation scenarios arise for this Special Issue, which include but are not limited to the following main topics:

  • Energy production and distribution models;
  • Operation and management of decentralized energy distribution networks;
  • Case studies;
  • Renewable production technologies favoring the energy distribution among prosumers;
  • Organizational models for energy distribution among prosumers;
  • Socioeconomic and environmental perspectives.

Dr. Rosaria Volpe
Prof. Dr. Alberto Fichera
Dr. Samiran Samanta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy distribution
  • prosumers
  • renewable-energy production systems
  • distribution models
  • emissions savings

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 4122 KiB  
Article
Exergoeconomics as a Cost-Accounting Method in Thermal Grids with the Presence of Renewable Energy Producers
by Pietro Catrini, Tancredi Testasecca, Alessandro Buscemi and Antonio Piacentino
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4004; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074004 - 28 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
Thermal grids are efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies for satisfying the thermal demands of buildings. The capability to operate at a low temperature allows not only for the integration of heat produced by renewable energy sources but also for the storage of surplus [...] Read more.
Thermal grids are efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies for satisfying the thermal demands of buildings. The capability to operate at a low temperature allows not only for the integration of heat produced by renewable energy sources but also for the storage of surplus electricity from the grid via “power to heat” technologies. Besides, in the future, heat consumers are expected to behave increasingly as “prosumers”, supplying in some periods heat produced by renewable energy plants on site. In this scenario, it is important to propose a method for the cost allocation among producers connected to the grid. In this regard, this paper proposes Exergoeconomics as a possible tool for rational cost assignment. To show the capabilities of the method, some operating scenarios are compared for a cluster of five buildings of the tertiary sector interconnected by a thermal grid. Based on exergoeconomic indicators, such as the exergy and exergoeconomic unit costs, insights into the cost formation process of the heat consumed by users are provided. Sensitivity analyses of heat unit cost to design and operating variables are also performed. Results show that in the presence of distributed producers, the heat unit cost could be approximately 33% lower than in the case of centralized production, due to the lower amount of irreversibility generated. Capital investment accounts for 20–28% of the heat unit cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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16 pages, 2280 KiB  
Article
Exergetic Analysis of a Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Power Plant with a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell for Carbon Capture
by Alberto Fichera, Samiran Samanta and Rosaria Volpe
Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14010533 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2767
Abstract
This study aims to propose the repowering of an existing Italian natural-gas fired combined cycle power plant through the integration of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) downstream of the gas turbine for CO2 capture and to pursuit an exergetic analysis of the [...] Read more.
This study aims to propose the repowering of an existing Italian natural-gas fired combined cycle power plant through the integration of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) downstream of the gas turbine for CO2 capture and to pursuit an exergetic analysis of the two schemes. The flue gases of the turbine are used to feed the cathode of the MCFC, where CO2 is captured and transported to the anode while generating electric power. The retrofitted plant produces 787.454 MW, in particular, 435.29 MW from the gas turbine, 248.9 MW from the steam cycle, and 135.283 MW from the MCFC. Around 42.4% of the exergy destruction has been obtained, the majority belonging to the combustion chamber and, in minor percentages, to the gas turbine and the MCFC. The overall net plant efficiency and net exergy efficiency are estimated to be around 55.34 and 53.34%, respectively. Finally, the specific CO2 emission is around 66.67 kg/MWh, with around 2 million tons of carbon dioxide sequestrated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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21 pages, 3208 KiB  
Article
The Renewable Energy Production Capability of Settlements to Meet Local Electricity and Transport Energy Demands
by Balázs Kulcsár, Tamás Mankovits and Piroska Gyöngyi Ailer
Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073636 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2421
Abstract
In addition to the examination of electric power from local renewables, this study has sought the answer to the question of what proportion of vehicles are fueled by environmentally friendly energy saving technologies in the vehicle fleets of Hungarian settlements. Further, the study [...] Read more.
In addition to the examination of electric power from local renewables, this study has sought the answer to the question of what proportion of vehicles are fueled by environmentally friendly energy saving technologies in the vehicle fleets of Hungarian settlements. Further, the study attempts to shed light on the self-sufficiency of Hungarian settlements with respect to the electricity and transport segments. In our assessments, the performance of small-scale household power plants (SSHPPs) utilizing local renewable energy sources, and small-scale power plants with installed capacities under 0.5 MW, was taken into account, as were the proportions of vehicles operating with partly or completely clean energy sources in the vehicle fleets of the individual settlements. Finally, the composition of the vehicle fleet has been examined in the light of the quantities of renewable electricity generated in the individual settlements, in order to consider whether these settlements are capable of covering the energy needs of their vehicle stocks from local sources. In the light of the results, the changes generated by the incentives and investments introduced over the past ten years can be established and subsequently, the energy policy needs in the future can be assessed. Our study has incorporated energy geography and settlement geography aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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18 pages, 3004 KiB  
Article
An Efficient and Robust Current Control for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Power System
by Mohammed Yousri Silaa, Mohamed Derbeli, Oscar Barambones, Cristian Napole, Ali Cheknane and José María Gonzalez De Durana
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042360 - 22 Feb 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2663
Abstract
Taking into account the restricted ability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to generate energy, it is compulsory to present techniques, in which an efficient operating power can be achieved. In many applications, the PEMFC is usually coupled with a high step-up [...] Read more.
Taking into account the restricted ability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to generate energy, it is compulsory to present techniques, in which an efficient operating power can be achieved. In many applications, the PEMFC is usually coupled with a high step-up DC-DC power converter which not only provides efficient power conversion, but also offers highly regulated output voltage. Due to the no-linearity of the PEMFC power systems, the application of conventional linear controllers such as proportional-integral (PI) did not succeed to drive the system to operate precisely in an adequate power point. Therefore, this paper proposes a robust non-linear integral fast terminal sliding mode control (IFTSMC) aiming to improve the power quality generated by the PEMFC; besides, a digital filter is designed and implemented to smooth the signals from the chattering effect of the IFTSMC. The stability proof of the IFTSMC is demonstrated via Lyapunov analysis. The proposed control scheme is designed for an experimental closed-loop system which consisted of a Heliocentric hy-Expert™ FC-50W, MicroLabBox dSPACE DS1202, step-up DC-DC power converter and programmable DC power supplies. Comparative results with the PI controller indicate that a reduction of 96% in the response time could be achieved using the suggested algorithm; where, up to more than 91% of the chattering phenomenon could be eliminated via the application of the digital filter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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21 pages, 3379 KiB  
Article
Small Renewable Energy Community: The Role of Energy and Environmental Indicators for Power Grid
by Francesca Ceglia, Elisa Marrasso, Carlo Roselli and Maurizio Sasso
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042137 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3380
Abstract
The Clean Energy for all Europeans Package pushes for the diffusion of renewable energy communities, introducing their definition in the European legislative framework. Following this interest, this paper analyses the energy and environmental performance of a renewable energy community composed of two office [...] Read more.
The Clean Energy for all Europeans Package pushes for the diffusion of renewable energy communities, introducing their definition in the European legislative framework. Following this interest, this paper analyses the energy and environmental performance of a renewable energy community composed of two office buildings located in Naples (Italy). Each building has a rooftop photovoltaic plant and one office presents an electric vehicle. The heating and cooling demands of both offices are satisfied by two reversible air to water heat pumps. The offices are connected through an electric microgrid and they are in parallel with a power grid. Buildings and plants are modelled and simulated by means of TRNSYS 17 simulation software. The first analysis has concerned the comparison of the results achieved in renewable energy community configuration and from individual buildings in terms of quantity of electricity imported, exported from/to power grid and consumed on-site. The share of self-consumed photovoltaic electricity rises up to 79% when energy sharing is allowed. The second analysis has been carried out to evaluate the energy and environmental performance of a renewable energy community by means of fixed and hourly varying values for power grid efficiency and emission factors for electricity. The use of time-dependent indicators has led to a lower community primary energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions of 18% and 12%, respectively, in comparison with the scenario in which the fixed parameters have been adopted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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Review

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33 pages, 3459 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Recent Advancements in Absorption-Based Post Combustion Carbon Capture Technologies to Obtain a Sustainable Energy Sector with Clean Environment
by Susmita Datta Peu, Arnob Das, Md. Sanowar Hossain, Md. Abdul Mannan Akanda, Md. Muzaffer Hosen Akanda, Mahbubur Rahman, Md. Naim Miah, Barun K. Das, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam and Mostafa M. Salah
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5827; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075827 - 27 Mar 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7721
Abstract
CO2 capture, use, and storage have been identified as significant strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions induced by the usage of fossil fuels. The current review focuses on the concepts of post-combustion capture technologies based on absorption mechanisms. Among all other developed [...] Read more.
CO2 capture, use, and storage have been identified as significant strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions induced by the usage of fossil fuels. The current review focuses on the concepts of post-combustion capture technologies based on absorption mechanisms. Among all other developed technologies, researchers have proposed absorption as the most mature carbon capture technology for industrial-scale application. Absorption-based carbon capture can be classified into chemical and physical absorption, and researchers have developed different solvents and absorbent materials to investigate their performance in CO2 capture. This paper comprehensively reviewed these established solvents and absorbents with their performance parameters in the CO2 absorption approach. Besides the improvement in widely applied absorbents such as amine-based absorbents, recently, researchers have been working to develop some advanced nanomaterials such as nanofluids and nano-emulsions. This review focuses on the application of such absorption mechanisms that can contribute to capturing CO2 in a compact, environment-friendly, and safe way. This paper also provides future research direction for further development in absorption-based CO2 capture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy Production and Distribution for a Sustainable Future: Models and Strategy)
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