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Simulation Tools to Build Urban-Scale Energy Models: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Alaia Sola

    (IREC Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Spain)

  • Cristina Corchero

    (IREC Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Spain)

  • Jaume Salom

    (IREC Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Spain)

  • Manel Sanmarti

    (IREC Catalonia Institute for Energy Research, 08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Spain)

Abstract

The development of Urban-Scale Energy Modelling (USEM) at the district or city level is currently the goal of many research groups due to the increased interest in evaluating the impact of energy efficiency measures in city environments. Because USEM comprises a great variety of analysis areas, the simulation programs that are able to model urban-scale energy systems actually consist of an assemblage of different particular sub-models. In order to simulate each of the sub-models in USEM, one can choose to use either existing specific simulation engines or tailor-made models. Engines or tools for simulation of urban-scale energy systems have already been overviewed in previous existing literature, however the distinction and classification of tools according to their functionalities within each analysis area in USEM has not been clearly presented. Therefore, the present work aims at reviewing the existing tools while classifying them according to their capabilities. The ultimate goal of this classification is to expose the available resources for implementing new co-simulation approaches in USEM, which may reduce the modelling effort and increase reliability as a result of using established and validated simulation engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Alaia Sola & Cristina Corchero & Jaume Salom & Manel Sanmarti, 2018. "Simulation Tools to Build Urban-Scale Energy Models: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:12:p:3269-:d:185126
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