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Towards Sustainable Energy Communities: Integrating Time-of-Use Pricing and Techno-Economic Analysis for Optimal Design—A Case Study of Valongo, Portugal

Author

Listed:
  • Goran Dobric

    (School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Mileta Zarkovic

    (School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of optimal energy community design, leveraging time-of-use pricing mechanisms and techno-economic parameters. Focusing on a case study of Valongo, Portugal, this study explores the intricate interplay between energy infrastructure planning, economic considerations, and pricing dynamics. Through a systematic approach, various factors, such as renewable energy integration, demand–response strategies, and investment costs, are evaluated to formulate an efficient and sustainable energy community model. Time-of-use pricing schemes are incorporated to reflect the dynamic nature of energy markets and consumer behavior. By integrating techno-economic analyses, this study aims to optimize energy resource allocation while ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The influence of optimized sizes of photovoltaics (PV), battery storage, and electrical vehicles (EVs) on self-sufficiency rates, self-consumption rates and CO 2 savings is analyzed. The findings offer valuable insights into the design and implementation of energy communities in urban settings, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in the transition towards a resilient and low-carbon energy future. The novelty of this paper lies in its comprehensive approach to energy community design, which integrates time-of-use pricing mechanisms with techno-economic parameters. By focusing on the specific case of Valongo, Portugal, it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities present in urban settings. Additionally, the analysis considers the interaction between renewable energy production, demand profiles and investment costs, providing valuable insights for optimizing resource allocation and achieving both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Goran Dobric & Mileta Zarkovic, 2024. "Towards Sustainable Energy Communities: Integrating Time-of-Use Pricing and Techno-Economic Analysis for Optimal Design—A Case Study of Valongo, Portugal," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:14:p:3375-:d:1432022
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cosic, Armin & Stadler, Michael & Mansoor, Muhammad & Zellinger, Michael, 2021. "Mixed-integer linear programming based optimization strategies for renewable energy communities," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).
    2. Fritz Braeuer & Max Kleinebrahm & Elias Naber & Fabian Scheller & Russell McKenna, 2021. "Optimal system design for energy communities in multi-family buildings: the case of the German Tenant Electricity Law," Papers 2105.11195, arXiv.org.
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