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Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems
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Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A: Sustainable Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 7120

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Daniel Węcel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: natural gas; power-to-gas; solar energy; heat absorption; hydrogen energy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will focus on wider issues related to distributed energy resources. Topics include installations ranging from the micro-scale, i.e., below 2 kW, to large-scale installations above 5 MW. Such installations refer to smaller generation units that are located on the consumer’s side of the meter. Basic local electricity generation should include photovoltaic panels, small wind turbines, and biomass generators which are fueled with waste gas or industrial and agricultural by-products. The greatest possible independence for local installations of the centralized generation sources from power plants should be considered. Therefore, in distributed systems, it is advisable to integrate local generators with energy storage. Energy storage can include electrochemical, mechanical, and chemical technologies. The main focus of this Special Issue will be on the technologies that are currently being considered, i.e., batteries, fuel storage (hydrogen, biomethane, methanol, and compressed air storage), and various forms of heat storage. The solutions considered for enabling the use of stored energy may include fuel cells, reciprocating engines, and gas turbines. Also worth considering are combined heat and power units, or tri-generation units that also utilize waste heat to provide cooling, which is especially important in food production.

Dr. Daniel Węcel
Guest Editor

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 2600 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

  • renewable energy sources
  • photovoltaic units
  • wind-generating units
  • energy storage
  • batteries
  • energy management systems
  • distributed energy resources
  • biomass generators

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 7525 KiB  
Article
Agrivoltaics, Opportunities for Hydrogen Generation, and Market Developments
by Torsten Clemens, Andreas Lunzer, Martin Hunyadi-Gall and Pablo Gil
Energies 2025, 18(4), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18041007 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 770
Abstract
To achieve deep decarbonization, renewable energy generation must be substantially increased. The technologies with the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are land-based photovoltaics (PVs) and wind energy. Agri-PVs offer the potential for dual land use, combining energy generation with agricultural activities. However, [...] Read more.
To achieve deep decarbonization, renewable energy generation must be substantially increased. The technologies with the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are land-based photovoltaics (PVs) and wind energy. Agri-PVs offer the potential for dual land use, combining energy generation with agricultural activities. However, the costs of agri-PVs are higher than those of ground-mounted PV. To enhance the competitiveness of agri-PV, we investigate the synergies between agri-PVs and hydrogen electrolysis through process simulation. Additionally, we analyse current technological developments in agri-PVs based on a market analysis of start-up companies. Our results indicate that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) can be comparable for agri-PVs and ground-mounted PVs due to the somewhat smoother electricity generation for the same installed capacity. The market analysis reveals the emergence of a technology ecosystem that integrates agri-PVs with next-generation agricultural technologies, such as sensors, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) agents, along with localized electricity generation forecasting. The integrated agri-PV and hydrogen generation system has significant global scaling potential for renewable energy generation. Furthermore, it positively impacts local economies and energy resilience, may reduce water scarcity in agriculture, and leverages advancements in AI, robotics, PV, and hydrogen generation technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)
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30 pages, 3827 KiB  
Article
Decarbonization Pathway for Train Systems Using a Supercapacitor Energy Storage Charged by Distributed Solar PV Systems: A Case Study for Saudi Arabia
by Bandar Jubran Alqahtani, Mussab Aleraij and Abdulhadi Alajmi
Energies 2025, 18(4), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040877 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 865
Abstract
The study aims to introduce a novel system that powers a passenger train using supercapacitor energy storage that is charged by a solar carport system located at each train stop station. The system’s detailed design and its techno-economic analysis have been carried out [...] Read more.
The study aims to introduce a novel system that powers a passenger train using supercapacitor energy storage that is charged by a solar carport system located at each train stop station. The system’s detailed design and its techno-economic analysis have been carried out and applied to a case study of a supercapacitor-based train (SC-Train) that connects an international airport with five major cities in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions from Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector utilizing an electric-operated train energized by a solar carport system. The solar carport system is designed to have a capacity equal to the train’s energy consumption. Additionally, the supercapacitor has been selected as a storage device to utilize the regenerative braking system feature to enhance the train’s energy efficiency, which results in energy savings equivalent to 44.9% of total energy consumption. Finally, the project’s feasibility has been determined via the benefit–cost analysis approach, which yields a positive net present value of USD 367 million over 30 years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)
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26 pages, 8262 KiB  
Article
Wind–Photovoltaic–Electrolyzer-Underground Hydrogen Storage System for Cost-Effective Seasonal Energy Storage
by Torsten Clemens, Martin Hunyadi-Gall, Andreas Lunzer, Vladislav Arekhov, Martin Datler and Albert Gauer
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5696; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225696 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy generation result in low greenhouse gas footprints and can supply electricity to the grid or generate hydrogen for various applications, including seasonal energy storage. Designing integrated wind–PV–electrolyzer underground hydrogen storage (UHS) projects is complex due to the interactions [...] Read more.
Photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy generation result in low greenhouse gas footprints and can supply electricity to the grid or generate hydrogen for various applications, including seasonal energy storage. Designing integrated wind–PV–electrolyzer underground hydrogen storage (UHS) projects is complex due to the interactions between components. Additionally, the capacities of PV and wind relative to the electrolyzer capacity and fluctuating electricity prices must be considered in the project design. To address these challenges, process modelling was applied using cost components and parameters from a project in Austria. The hydrogen storage part was derived from an Austrian hydrocarbon gas field considered for UHS. The results highlight the impact of the renewable energy source (RES) sizing relative to the electrolyzer capacity, the influence of different wind-to-PV ratios, and the benefits of selling electricity and hydrogen. For the case study, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is EUR 6.26/kg for a RES-to-electrolyzer capacity ratio of 0.88. Oversizing reduces the LCOH to 2.61 €/kg when including electricity sales revenues, or EUR 4.40/kg when excluding them. Introducing annually fluctuating electricity prices linked to RES generation results in an optimal RES-to-electrolyzer capacity ratio. The RES-to-electrolyzer capacity can be dynamically adjusted in response to market developments. UHS provides seasonal energy storage in areas with mismatches between RES production and consumption. The main cost components are compression, gas conditioning, wells, and cushion gas. For the Austrian project, the levelized cost of underground hydrogen storage (LCHS) is 0.80 €/kg, with facilities contributing EUR 0.33/kg, wells EUR 0.09/kg, cushion gas EUR 0.23/kg, and OPEX EUR 0.16/kg. Overall, the analysis demonstrates the feasibility of integrated RES–hydrogen generation-seasonal energy storage projects in regions like Austria, with systems that can be dynamically adjusted to market conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)
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29 pages, 6138 KiB  
Article
Optimal Integration of Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, and Indonesia’s Super Grid
by Ahmad Amiruddin, Roger Dargaville and Ross Gawler
Energies 2024, 17(20), 5061; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205061 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2059
Abstract
This paper examines the optimal integration of renewable energy (RE) sources, energy storage technologies, and linking Indonesia’s islands with a high-capacity transmission “super grid”, utilizing the PLEXOS 10 R.02 simulation tool to achieve the country’s goal of 100% RE by 2060. Through detailed [...] Read more.
This paper examines the optimal integration of renewable energy (RE) sources, energy storage technologies, and linking Indonesia’s islands with a high-capacity transmission “super grid”, utilizing the PLEXOS 10 R.02 simulation tool to achieve the country’s goal of 100% RE by 2060. Through detailed scenario analysis, the research demonstrates that by 2050, Indonesia could be on track to meet this target, with 62% of its energy generated from RE sources. Solar PV could play a dominant role, contributing 363 GW, or 72.3% of the total installed capacity out of over 500 GW. The study highlights that lithium-ion batteries, particularly with 4 h of storage, were identified as the most suitable energy storage option across various scenarios, supporting over 1000 GWh of storage capacity. The introduction of a super grid is shown to reduce the average energy generation cost to around USD 91/MWh from the current USD 98/MWh. These findings underscore the potential of a strategic combination of RE, optimized energy storage, and grid enhancements to significantly lower costs and enhance energy security, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders for Indonesia’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)
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23 pages, 3862 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Distributed Photovoltaic Economic Access Capacity in Distribution Networks Considering Proper Photovoltaic Power Curtailment
by Wenbo Hao, Weisong Xiao, Qingyu Yan, Qingquan Jia, Benran Hu and Pan Li
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4441; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174441 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
The high proportion of distributed photovoltaic (DPV) access has changed the traditional distribution network structure and operation mode, posing a huge threat to the stable operation and economy of the distribution network. Aiming at a reasonable access capacity of DPV in the distribution [...] Read more.
The high proportion of distributed photovoltaic (DPV) access has changed the traditional distribution network structure and operation mode, posing a huge threat to the stable operation and economy of the distribution network. Aiming at a reasonable access capacity of DPV in the distribution network, this paper proposes an economic access capacity evaluation method for DPV in the distribution network considering proper PV power curtailment. Firstly, a method for generating typical joint light intensity and load power operation scenarios based on an improved K-means clustering algorithm is proposed, which provides comprehensive scenario support for the evaluation. Secondly, based on active and reactive power regulation, this paper proposes a DPV access capacity enhancement method to improve the DPV access capacity. Thirdly, considering proper PV power curtailment, an evaluation model of DPV economic access capacity in the distribution network is established to solve the maximum DPV economic access capacity in the distribution network. And aiming at the nonlinear problem in the model, the second-order cone relaxation method is employed to transform the model into the second-order cone programming model, so as to solve the objective function conveniently and efficiently. Finally, based on the improved IEEE 33-node distribution network analysis, the results show that the proposed method can be more comprehensive and effective in evaluating the DPV economic access capacity in the distribution network, and proper PV power curtailment can significantly increase the DPV economic access capacity in the distribution network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)
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