By Luis Luengo Baranguan, Circe
A comprehensive approach to energy systems integration
The REFORMERS project aims to trigger Renewable Energy Valleys (REV), where local renewable energy sources meet all energy needs for electricity, heating, cooling, and transport. Through advanced energy modelling, the project optimises the integration of renewable sources like solar, wind and biomass, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions for communities. To support this transformation, the development of a tool that can assist in energy planning by optimising the size and location of technologies to meet specific goals (such as reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and achieving fuel independence) is being undertaken.
The RENERGiSE tool (originally developed by VUB in collaboration with CERTH as part of the H2020 RENAISSANCE project) will be expanded beyond the power sector to include heating, cooling, gas, hydrogen, and mobility sectors. The tool will be modular and adaptable, enabling the integration of new components to enhance its functionality. A comprehensive database, providing a techno-economic overview of various energy conversion and production technologies, will be incorporated.
Author: Luis Luengo, CIRCE – Copyright REFORMERS, 2024
Advanced Input Data Models for Energy Optimisation
Since the idea is to create a tool that can be used by many potential REVs, independently to their availability to gather precise data, CIRCE is developing four data models that will provide crucial input data to the RENERGiSE simulation tool. These models are as follows:
1) Hourly electricity demand distribution for a dwelling, based on the total annual billed energy and the user profile;
2) Hourly heating demand of dwellings or buildings, measured per square metre of heated surface;
3) Hourly cooling demand of dwellings or buildings, measured per square metre of cooled surface;
4) Hourly Domestic Hot Water (DHW) demand per average dwelling.
These models will complement the RENERGiSE tool by providing detailed, time-based energy demand profiles, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of the system’s optimisation capabilities across different sectors.
Visit the project website at www.reformers-energyvalleys.eu and follow our social media page on LinkedIn for latest updates, or get in contact at info@reformers-energyvalleys.eu