Work

Beyond net zero energy buildings: Load profile analysis and community aggregation for improved load matching

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the load matching of electricity consumption and photovoltaic (PV) generation in residential buildings following the net zero energy building (NZEB) framework. Load matching is critical due to the increasing integration of PV systems, driven by policies like the European Green Deal. Utilizing a dataset of 316 smart-metered residential electricity profiles, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to quantify the impact of various factors. Results indicate that the order of factors influencing self-consumption (SC), self-sufficiency (SS), self-production (SP), and grid liability (GL) in a heating dominated region are annual and intraday consumption patterns, followed by PV tilt angle and finally, azimuth angle. NZEB sizing typically ended in an average SC of only 30.3% and a GL of 39.5%, highlighting the need for improved sizing strategies, reducing mismatch. We proposed two alternative PV sizing approaches maximizing self-production (achieving up to 46.7% SC) and minimizing grid liability (reducing GL considerably). The study shows that understanding consumption variability and optimizing PV configurations can significantly enhance load matching outcomes, particularly when aggregated in energy communities, which can yield an additional 9 percentage points increase in SC under a reasonable PV penetration. While NZEB communities could exceed original power peaks (200 kW of demand) with feedback periods in more than 10% of the year, reaching a peak feedback of 657 kW, a more reasonable PV penetration suggested (optimizing PV systems for self-production), that only exceeds 200 kW limit in 4% of the year, with a consolidated peak of 332 kW feedback. Consequently, the study provides practical strategies for better integrating PV into low voltage electricity networks while mitigating adverse grid impacts, aligning with ongoing energy policy reforms.

Source: Applied Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124934

Authors: László Zsolt Gergely, Lilla Barancsuk, Miklós Horváth

Institution: Budapest University of Technology and Economics

Language: English

Topic: Smart Grid Energy Management

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,300