TY - JOUR A1 - Scheller, Fabian A1 - Wiese, Frauke A1 - Weinand, Jann Michael A1 - Dominković, Dominik Franjo A1 - McKenna, Russell T1 - An expert survey to assess the current status and future challenges of energy system analysis JF - Smart Energy N2 - Decision support systems like computer-aided energy system analysis (ESA) are considered one of the main pillars for developing sustainable and reliable energy strategies. Although today's diverse tools can already support decision-makers in a variety of research questions, further developments are still necessary. Intending to identify opportunities and challenges in the field, we classify modelling topics into modelling capabilities (32), methodologies (15), implementation issues (15) and management issues (7) from an extensive literature review. Based on a quantitative expert survey of energy system modellers (N = 61) mainly working with simulation and optimisation models, the Status of Development and the Complexity of Realisation of those modelling topics are assessed. While the rated items are considered to be more complex than actually represented, no significant outliers are determinable, showing that there is no consensus about particular aspects of ESA that are lacking development. Nevertheless, a classification of the items in terms of a specially defined modelling strategy matrix identifies capabilities like land-use planning patterns, equity and distributional effects and endogenous technological learning as “low hanging fruits” for enhancement, as well as a large number of complex topics that are already well implemented. The remaining “tough nuts” regarding modelling capabilities include non-energy sector and social behaviour interaction effects. In general, the optimisation and simulation models differ in their respective strengths, justifying the existence of both. While methods were generally rated as quite well developed, combinatorial optimisation approaches, as well as machine learning, are identified as important research methods to be developed further for ESA. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2021.100057 SN - 26669552 VL - 4 SP - 100057 EP - 100057 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kachirayil, Febin A1 - Weinand, Jann Michael A1 - Scheller, Fabian A1 - McKenna, Russell T1 - Reviewing local and integrated energy system models: insights into flexibility and robustness challenges JF - Applied Energy N2 - The electrification of heating, cooling, and transportation to reach decarbonization targets calls for a rapid expansion of renewable technologies. Due to their decentral and intermittent nature, these technologies require robust planning that considers non-technical constraints and flexibility options to be integrated effectively. Energy system models (ESMs) are frequently used to support decision-makers in this planning process. In this study, 116 case studies of local, integrated ESMs are systematically reviewed to identify best-practice approaches to model flexibility and address non-technical constraints. Within the sample, storage systems and sector coupling are the most common types of flexibility. Sector coupling with the transportation sector is rarely considered, specifically with electric vehicles even though they could be used for smart charging or vehicle-to-grid operation. Social aspects are generally either completely neglected or modeled exogenously. Lacking actor heterogeneity, which can lead to unstable results in optimization models, can be addressed through building-level information. A strong emphasis on cost is found and while emissions are also frequently reported, additional metrics such as imports or the share of renewable generation are nearly entirely absent. To guide future modeling, the paper concludes with a roadmap highlighting flexibility and robustness options that either represent low-hanging fruit or have a large impact on results. Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119666 SN - 1872-9118 VL - 324 SP - 119666 EP - 119666 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weinand, Jann Michael A1 - Scheller, Fabian A1 - McKenna, Russell T1 - Reviewing energy system modelling of decentralized energy autonomy JF - Energy N2 - Research attention on decentralized autonomous energy systems has increased exponentially in the past three decades, as demonstrated by the absolute number of publications and the share of these studies in the corpus of energy system modelling literature. This paper shows the status quo and future modelling needs for research on local autonomous energy systems. A total of 359 studies are investigated, of which a subset of 123 in detail. The studies are assessed with respect to the characteristics of their methodology and applications, in order to derive common trends and insights. Most case studies apply to middle-income countries and only focus on the supply of electricity in the residential sector. Furthermore, many of the studies are comparable regarding objectives and applied methods. Local energy autonomy is associated with high costs, leading to levelized costs of electricity of 0.41 $/kWh on average. By analysing the studies, many improvements for future studies could be identified: the studies lack an analysis of the impact of autonomous energy systems on surrounding energy systems. In addition, the robust design of autonomous energy systems requires higher time resolutions and extreme conditions. Future research should also develop methodologies to consider local stakeholders and their preferences for energy systems. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117817 SN - 1873-6785 VL - 203 SP - 117817 EP - 117817 ER -