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Die Hersteller von Solarwärmeanlagen bemühen sich stetig um die Senkung der Herstellkosten, vor allem des Solarkollektors, des weithin sichtbaren „Herzstücks“ jeder Solarwärmeanlage. Massiv steigende Weltmarktpreise für die hauptsächlich eingesetzten Werkstoffe Aluminium und Kupfer laufen den Bemühungen nach weiteren Kostensenkungen in der Kollektorfertigung aber leider entgegen. Der Einsatz von alternativen Werkstoffen, wie etwa Kunststoffen, für Solarkollektoren wird daher als vielversprechend angesehen. Die Verwendung von Kunststoffen im Solarkollektorbau kann dabei gleich mehrere Vorzüge bieten. Neben der Einsparung von kostspieligem Kupfer und/oder Aluminium sind mit den polymeren Materialien durch eine mögliche Gewichtsreduzierung gleichzeitig auch Vorteile bei der Montage verbunden. Durch Nutzung moderner Fertigungstechnologien von Kunststoffformteilen kann zudem die Kollektorfertigung automatisiert und damit die Kosten weiter gesenkt werden. Allerdings sind mit dem Einsatz von Kunststoffen bei den thermisch oft hoch belasteten Solarkollektoren auch technologische Herausforderungen verbunden. So stellen beispielsweise die begrenzte Temperatur-, Druck-, UV- und Langzeitbeständigkeit sowie die gegenüber Kupfer schlechtere Wärmeleitfähigkeit kostengünstiger Kunststoffe hohe Hürden für deren Einsatz in Solarkollektoren dar. Im Rahmen des Forschungsvorhabens wurden zunächst die auftretenden Temperaturlasten an den Kollektorbauteilen im Feldtest im Detail erfasst und in Jahreshistogrammen analysiert. Dabei erreicht der im System eingebundene Absorber Temperaturen von bis zu 192°C. Ein dauerhaft stagnierender Referenzabsorber erreicht 208°C und verweilt über 1.100 Stunden im Jahr auf einem Temperaturniveau von mehr als 95°C. Dies verdeutlicht die Notwendigkeit einer Reduktion oder im besten Fall einer aktiven Kontrolle der auftretenden Temperaturbelastungen an einigen Bauteilen, wie etwa dem Absorber. Desweiteren wird aber auch deutlich, dass für sämtliche Gehäusebauteile die Temperaturbelastung nicht die zentrale Hürde für den Kunststoffeinsatz darstellt. Zusammenfassend zeigt sich in den Messungen, dass im Hinblick auf Werkstoffspezifikationen eine sehr diversifizierte Betrachtung der Temperaturverläufe auf Bauteilebene erforderlich ist, anstelle der Angabe einer einheitlichen Maximaltemperatur für den gesamten Kollektor. Anschließend wurden sowohl verfügbare als auch potenzielle Überhitzungsschutzmaßnahmen für solarthermische Kollektoren erfasst und hinsichtlich ihrer Wirkmechanismen systematisiert. Ausgewählte Maßnahmen wurden in einer Simulation unter Nutzung eines speziell entwickelten, dynamischen Kollektormodells auf ihr Einsatzpotenzial hin untersucht. Es zeigt sich. dass eine nennenswerte Reduktion der thermischen Belastung an den Kollektorbauteilen u.a. ohne Einbuße des Anlagenertrages mit verschiedenen Maßnahmen prinzipiell durchaus erreichbar ist und vor allem perspektivisch erreicht werden kann. Das bedeutet, es werden Lösungswege aufgezeigt um den Einsatz neuer Werkstoffe wie etwa kostengünstiger Massenkunststoffe sogar am Absorber, also dem aus Sicht der Temperaturbelastung kritischsten Bauteil, realisieren zu können. Die dargestellten Simulationsergebnisse zeigen darüber hinaus einerseits die Zielparameter für die zweifelsfrei noch erforderliche Entwicklung, andererseits aber auch das Anwendungspotenzial einzelner Lösungen wie etwa den thermochromen Schichten auf, das in der Zukunft in jedem Fall zu heben ist. Auf Basis dieser Ergebnisse wurden Konzepte für Kunststoffkollektoren unter Nutzung adäquater Fertigungsverfahren entwickelt, um die Umsetzungs- und Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen. Abschließend wurden diese Konzepte hinsichtlich der Herstellkosten mit Standard-Flachkollektoren verglichen, wobei Kunststoffkollektoren neben den Vorteilen bei der Montage und Installation ein Kostensenkungspotenzial von bis zu 50% Prozent aufweisen können.
A Dynamic Multinode Model for Component-Oriented Thermal Analysis of Flat-Plate Solar Collectors
(2015)
A mathematical model of a flat-plate solar collector was developed on the basis of the physical principles of optics and heat transfer in order to determine collector’s component temperatures as well as collector efficiency. In contrast to many available models, the targeted use of this dynamic model is the detailed, theoretical investigation of the thermal behaviour of newly developed or adjusted collector designs on component level, for example, absorber, casing, or transparent cover. The defined model is based on a multinode network (absorber, fluid, glazing, and backside insulation) containing the relevant physical equations to transfer the energy. The heat transfer network covers heat conduction, convection, and radiation. Furthermore, the collector optics is defined for the plane glazing and the absorber surface and also considers interactions between them. The model enables the variation of physical properties considering the geometric parameters and materials. Finally, the model was validated using measurement data and existing efficiency curve models. Both comparisons proved high accuracy of the developed model with deviation of up to 3% in collector efficiency and 1 K in component temperatures.
A dynamic flat-plate collector model for parametric sensitivity studies on polymer-based collector designs was developed. Validation using experimental results of conventional flat-plate collectors showed satisfying results especially regarding the calculation of individual part temperatures of a collector. The model was used to predict system efficiency as well as individual part temperatures in order to analyse a polymeric collector approach in comparison to a conventional collector. The simulation results showed that the fractional energy savings of systems with conventional flat-plate collectors cannot be reached with the analysed polymeric collector approach. Also the stagnation temperatures of more efficient approaches are too high for low-cost polymeric materials. The exemplary analysis of annual temperature loads of the backside insulation for different approaches proved the necessity of careful collector design aiming at temperature reduction for all individual collector parts.
Seasonal thermal energy storages are considered a central element of modern, innovative energy systems and help to harmonize fluctuating energy sources. Furthermore, they allow for an improved coupling between the electricity and heating sectors. Despite recent improvements of planning processes and enhanced models, significant discrepancies between projected and measured heat losses were revealed. Additional shortcomings of available tools relate to limitations in specifying geometry, internal design, or physical processes. Addressing these drawbacks, this study employs a revised, alternative approach by using a flexible, component-based, model (“STORE”). It allows variable flexible parameterizations to study diverse design scenarios. After introducing relevant seasonal thermal energy storage components, processes and mechanisms, datasets, and evaluation techniques, a plausibility test is presented that applies a common thermal energy storage model for benchmarking. In a test study, the re-use of a circa 1,000 m3 large swimming pool is simulated. STORE is used to investigate performance trends caused by different designs (e.g., insulation thicknesses, materials at individual interfaces). For the plausibility test, the results show a high degree of coverage and good applicability. Further, the results of the test study show a storage efficiency of 12.4% for an uninsulated base case, which can be improved to 69.5% in case of the most complex, highly insulated configuration. Critical trends are revealed, covering reduced peak capacity levels (26.5 to 23.5 MWh) and raised average filling temperatures (39.1 to 45.2 °C). Improved long-term behavior involves reduced environmental impacts due to reduced heating of the ambient soil (+7.9 K compared to +14.1 K after 2 years). General conclusions reveal that an optimal design should initially focus on an external cover of soil and top insulation. However, evaluations should base on multiple parameters depending on the target criteria. This is where the present model is highly useful. The capability of STORE to rapidly analyze a plethora of scenarios proves its high applicability for optimizing the planning processes of seasonal thermal energy storage projects.
The CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SOLAR ENGINEERING of Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences investigates the renewable-only based HVAC system of a multipurpose building. The 10.000 m² gross floor area building is part of the biggest logistic-centre in the region serving the AUDI automobile production facilities. On the one hand, the investigation is supposed to demonstrate the potential of solar-assisted cooling, on the other hand, the monitoring focuses on the total energy balance of the building and the various innovative building technologies. Next to a ground source heat pump plant for base-load heating and cooling, the building is equipped with two arrays of solar-thermal flat-plate collectors (108 m² + 178 m²) and a desiccant air-conditioning system (DEC). This consists of two plants with a nominal air flow of 8.000 m³/h each. One of the two plants is monitored, where the plant itself is considered a black box in a first approach, i.e. all incoming and outgoing energy flows and the air condition are measured. Apart from the investigation of the performance of the solar-assisted air-conditioning system, the feasibility of DECoperation using flat-plate collectors available on the market is investigated. During the first year of operation (2006) massive problems occurred in the operation of the DEC-plant. While the degree of comfort in the building was found to be satisfying during the cooling period, the solar-driven DEC-plant showed major deficiencies in cooling performance, hydraulics and control. Especially, a too high rotational speed of the desiccant wheel and an inadequate adjustment of solar collector arrays, DEC-plants and building structure were identified. Therefore, in an overhaul of the system several problems in the hardware were found and corrected such as blocked nozzles due to calcinations, leakages in the sealing of the desiccant wheel and an incorrect installation of a non-return valve in the hydraulic system of the regeneration air heater. Moreover, the control strategy regarding the cooling power of the plant and the speed of the desiccant wheel was checked. In the second year of operation (2007), some deficiencies of the first year were found to be removed, but the plant still did not work according to its capacity. Insufficient dehumidification by the desiccant wheel was identified as a major problem. Based on a detailed analysis of the desiccant wheel, one-sided displacement of the sorbent was supposed to be the reason for insufficient cooling capacity. Obviously, control or mechanical malfunctions during operation have lead to a one-sided oversaturation and thus to a one-sided damage of the desiccant wheel. Consequently, the damaged wheel is to be removed prior to the 2008 cooling period. In order to tap the full potential of both the solar DEC-plant and the building’s innovative concept, a number of further measures, especially concerning the matching of the DECplant and the solar system with the building management, need to be taken in future.
Messtechnische Analyse der Grundwasserwärmepumpenanlage in einem Büro- und Produktionsgebäude
(2011)
In einer messtechnischen Untersuchung wurde vom KOMPETENZFELD ERNEUERBARE ENERGIEN die Leistungsfähigkeit eines grundwassergespeisten Heiz- und Kühlsystems mit Wärmepumpen in einem Büro- und Produktionsgebäude analysiert und bewertet. Dazu wurde eine umfängliche energetische Bilanzierung von Gebäudetechnik und Gebäude vorgenommen. Innerhalb des mehrjährigen Untersuchungszeitraumes konnten umfangreiche Erkenntnisse über die Effizienz und Arbeitsweise der Heiz- und Kühlanlage gewonnen werden. Dabei wurden eine Reihe von Problemstellungen im realen Anlagenbetrieb identifiziert sowie das Gesamtsystem auf Basis der Messergebnisse optimiert. Um die praxisrelevanten Forschungsergebnisse in zukünftigen innovativen Gebäudetechnikkonzepten einfließen zu lassen wurden konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen für die Planungs-, die Inbetriebnahme- und Einregulierungsphase sowie für die Betriebsführung abgeleitet.
Planung, Errichtung, Betrieb und Optimierung einer solarunterstützten Gebäudeheizung in einem Altbau
(2005)
Vor dem Hintergrund der weiteren Verbreitung solarunterstützter Heizungsanlagen auch im Gebäudebestand und der damit oftmals verbundenen Frage nach dem „richtigen“ Kollektortyp initiierte das KOMPETENZZENTRUM SOLARTECHNIK der Fachhochschule Ingolstadt ein Demonstrationsvorhaben zur experimentellen Untersuchung einer entsprechenden Anlage. So wurde ein solarunterstütztes Gebäudeheizungssystem in einem für den süddeutschen Gebäudebestand repräsentativen Zweifamilienhaus realisiert und mit umfangreicher Messtechnik ausgestattet. Die Heizungsanlage besteht aus einem Schichtspeicher (800 l), einem Flachkollektorfeld (Bruttofläche: 6,42 m²) und einem Feld direktdurchströmter Vakuumröhrenkollektoren (15,6 m²). Als zusätzlicher Wärmeerzeuger ist ein Ölkessel (22 kW) vorhanden. Messtechnisch erfasst werden alle Wärmeerzeuger und -verbraucher sowie die Wetterbedingungen. Es zeigt sich in diesem Projekt, dass der Einsatz von solarer Heizungsunterstützung auch in bestehenden Gebäuden durchaus Sinn macht und nennenswerte Brennstoff- und damit CO2-Einsparungen erreicht werden können, falls bestimmte Voraussetzungen erfüllt sind. Als sehr vorteilhaft am beschriebenen Gebäude muss dabei gewertet werden, dass der Heizwärmebedarf in weiten Teilen über Fußbodenheizsysteme mit niedriger Vorlauftemperatur abgedeckt wird. So ist die Einbindung der Solarsysteme in eine bestehende Heizungsanlage unter Weiterverwendung vorhandener Komponenten möglich und besonders sinnvoll. Es zeigte sich im Projektverlauf jedoch, dass die hydraulische und regelungstechnische Realisierung solcher verhältnismäßig komplexer Anlagen äußerste Sorgfalt erfordert. Hinsichtlich der Tauglichkeit der beiden Kollektortypen für solare Heizungsunterstützung bleibt festzuhalten, dass sowohl der eingesetzte Vakuumröhrenkollektor als auch der Flachkollektor prinzipiell dafür als sehr geeignet erscheinen. Dabei blieb der Vakuumröhrenkollektor jedoch hinter dem erwarteten Mehrertrag gegenüber dem Flachkollektor deutlich zurück. So offenbarte der Vakuumröhrenkollektor gerade im realen Winterbetrieb, der eigentlich eine Stärke dieses Kollektortyps darstellen sollte, konzeptionelle Schwächen. Nicht zuletzt angesichts der Tatsache, dass der Vakuumröhrenkollektor selbst bei relativ niedrigen Außentemperaturen keinen beträchtlichen Mehrertrag erbrachte, erscheint damit der Flachkollektor für solare Heizungsunterstützung auch in der Übergangszeit als technisch wie wirtschaftlich äußerst interessante Alternative.
The northern part of the globe is dominated by industrialisation and is well-developed. For many years, the southern part of the world (South Asia, Africa etc.) has been a target of research concentrating on access to energy (mainly electricity) in rural regions. However, the Central Asian region has not been a focus of energy research compared to South East Asia and Africa. Despite plentiful domestically available energy resources, the energy supply in Central Asia is very unevenly distributed between urban and rural areas. Almost half of the total population of Central Asia lives in rural areas and there is a lack of access to modern energy services to meet primary needs. To analyse the energy situation (i.e., electricity, heating, hot water consumption, cooking, etc.) in rural Central Asia, this paper reviews residential energy consumption trends in rural Central Asian regions as compared to urban areas. Furthermore, the paper illustrates the potential of renewable energies in Central Asia. To perform the study, a qualitative comparative analysis was conducted based on a literature review, data, and statistical information. In summary, the presented article discusses the rural energy situation analytically and provides in-depth insights of Central Asian energy infrastructure.
In both rural and urban areas, two-wheeler vehicles are the most common means of transportation, contributing to local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Transitioning to electric two-wheeler vehicles can help reduce GHG emissions while also increasing the socioeconomic status of people in rural Kenya. Renewable energy systems can play a significant role in charging electric two-wheeled vehicles, resulting in lower carbon emissions and increased renewable energy penetration in rural Kenya. As a result, using the Conventional and Renewable Energy Optimization (CARNOT) Toolbox in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, this paper focuses on integrating and modeling electric two-wheeled vehicles (e-bikes) into an off-grid photovoltaic Water-Energy Hub located in the Lake Victoria Region of Western Kenya. Electricity demand data obtained from the Water-Energy Hub was investigated and analyzed. Potential solar energy surplus was identified and the surplus was used to incorporate the electric two-wheeler vehicles. The energy consumption of the electric two-wheeler vehicles was also measured in the field based on the rider’s driving behavior. The modeling results revealed an annual power consumption of 27,267 kWh, a photovoltaic (PV) electricity production of 37,785 kWh, and an electricity deficit of 370 kWh. The annual results show that PV generation exceeds power consumption, implying that there should be no electricity deficit. The results, however, do not represent the results in hourly resolution, ignoring the impact of weather fluctuation on PV production. As a result, in order to comprehend the electricity deficit, hourly resolution results are shown. A load optimization method was designed to efficiently integrate the electric 2-wheeler vehicle into the Water-Energy Hub in order to alleviate the electricity deficit. The yearly electricity deficit was decreased to 1 kWh and the annual electricity consumption was raised by 11% (i.e., 30,767 kWh), which is enough to charge four more electric two-wheeler batteries daily using the load optimization technique.
Operational experiences with a temperature-variable district heating network for a rural community
(2021)
The potential of utilizing temperature-variable district heating systems in rural areas was investigated. A local district heating system in Germany and the related project NATAR are briefly described; measurement data is evaluated. Operational experiences with a seasonal temperature reduction and consequent advantages for different heat generation systems and heat storages are discussed. The analysis of measurement data reveals a high optimization potential for solar thermal systems in case of an integration both into a low- and a high-temperature storage. Furthermore, a combined heat-and-power plant in combination with a CO2 heat pump promises sector-coupling potential and high electricity self-consumption.
The application of voltage reduction in medium and low voltage grids to reduce peak power demand or energy consumption has been implemented since the 1980s using several approaches. Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR), as one such approach, uses a voltage control device to reduce or increase the voltage setpoint on a busbar, thereby reducing or increasing the amount of active and reactive power supply in the network. Voltage regulation for CVR is always implemented according to established network planning standards in each country. Research in this field has proven that a CVR factor (CVRf) of 0.7–1.5 for peak demand reduction can be achieved. This is an evaluation metric of CVR. The aim of this research is to determine and validate CVRf for peak demand reduction by comparing actual results obtained during regular tap changes with other randomly distributed periods outside tap change operations, using a set of measurement data. It is important to understand CVR deployment capability by evaluating CVR potentials from historical random tap operations before a robust network-wide deployment is introduced. This research provides such guidance. It also provides a novel approach to determining tap changes from voltage measurements using a time-based algorithm. A CVRf ranging from 0.95 to 1.61 was estimated using a measurement dataset from a test field. The result of the entire evaluation shows that the CVRf are smaller during peak PV production and greater during peak demand periods. Further evaluation using statistical hypotheses testing and a control chart was used to validate the evaluation.
Experimental, analytical, or numerical investigations are ordinarily conducted to reveal optimisation potential for solar thermal collectors. At the same time, the ‘Solar Keymark Database’ contains more than 2,000 test reports from certified laboratories featuring properties including thermal efficiency, dimensions, or optical properties. This dataset offers untapped potential for statistical analyses as an alternative optimisation approach. Hence, this paper aims to provide a) the first statistical findings of solar thermal collector properties listed in the Solar Keymark Database and b) insights into statistical relations between these properties. The key correlations observed from the analysis of flat-plate collectors were between efficiency and both gross height (R = 0.30) and gross area (R = 0.27). We concluded that preferable collector designs may be featured with larger area to height ratios. The analyses of evacuated tube collectors revealed a strong correlation between efficiency and transversal incidence angle modifier (R = -0.65) as a result from different tube spacing. It was noticeable that the quasi-dynamic test method reported significantly higher efficiencies (7.14 percentage points) for evacuated tube collectors, which should be carefully considered for future test procedures. Overall, the statistical analysis was in accordance with conventional bottom-up analyses and revealed insightful dependencies for the present collector data.
Insulating glass flat-plate collectors can save cost by being produced quickly and automatically in insulated glass production facilities, and they can be filled with argon to reduce heat loss. During its lifetime, the collector is likely to lose argon because of gradual material degradation of the sealing. However, information on the influence of the argon concentration on the collector efficiency is limited. Therefore, the objective of this research work was to analyse this effect. A theoretical material property calculation of argon-air mixtures was carried out to determine the convective losses with variable argon concentrations. Thermal collector performance was measured experimentally using an outdoor solar tracker test rig. The results strongly suggest, that the influence of argon concentration on both the convective losses and the thermal efficiency is non-linear. The measurements revealed that an argon concentration of 90 % can increase average thermal performance by 6.7 ± 4.8 percentage points. An increase in argon concentration from 0 % to 50 % has almost twice the effect on average thermal efficiency as an increase from 50 % to 90 %. Concluding from these results, an argon leakage threshold of 2.5 percentage points per year is proposed to avoid disproportionate loss of efficiency over time.
PV-Optimized Heat Pump Control in Multi-Family Buildings Using a Reinforcement Learning Approach
(2024)
For the energy transition in the residential sector, heat pumps are a core technology for decarbonizing thermal energy production for space heating and domestic hot water. Electricity generation from on-site photovoltaic (PV) systems can also contribute to a carbon-neutral building stock. However, both will increase the stress on the electricity grid. This can be reduced by using appropriate control strategies to match electricity consumption and production. In recent years, artificial intelligence-based approaches such as reinforcement learning (RL) have become increasingly popular for energy-system management. However, the literature shows a lack of investigation of RL-based controllers for multi-family building energy systems, including an air source heat pump, thermal storage, and a PV system, although this is a common system configuration. Therefore, in this study, a model of such an energy system and RL-based controllers were developed and simulated with physical models and compared with conventional rule-based approaches. Four RL algorithms were investigated for two objectives, and finally, the soft actor–critic algorithm was selected for the annual simulations. The first objective, to maintain only the required temperatures in the thermal storage, could be achieved by the developed RL agent. However, the second objective, to additionally improve the PV self-consumption, was better achieved by the rule-based controller. Therefore, further research on the reward function, hyperparameters, and advanced methods, including long short-term memory layers, as well as a training for longer time periods than six days are suggested.
Energy is a pivotal element for overall development. Therefore, affordable and clean energy for all (Sustainable Development Goal 7) is one of the important elements. Despite a suitable approach, Kyrgyzstan lags behind to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Improving access to energy can significantly impact the progress of many other sustainable development targets. However, access to reliable, sustainable, and adequate energy is a crucial task in rural Kyrgyzstan. Taking into consideration the energy situation and the importance of the availability of energy services, the overarching aim of the presented article is to map the potential of improving rural energy services to foster overall sustainable development goals. The article presents the most relevant information about rural energy usage behaviour based on three primary pillars: energy demand, energy carrier, and energy sources. In addition, the presented research article synthesises the key driving factors which have a direct or indirect impact on the energy services in rural areas. The summarised data displays a deep insight into a variety of complex and dynamic household energy consumption patterns. The article provides a potential solution nexus to foster improved energy services in rural Kyrgyzstan and therefore to foster the overall sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan. The findings of the article help to formulate a strategy to design rural energy services for policy makers and stockholders.
The climate specific effectiveness of solar DEC-systems and relevant preferable adaptions of the system design have been so far predominantly analysed based on individual simulation for selected sites. In order to systematically deduce design-specific outline data for the application of the solar DEC-technology at climatically different sites a methodological zoning approach was further developed. A subsequent meteorological analysis for 17 sites mapping the world climate creates a transparent understanding on the activity of the specific system components. This results in a comprehension on the site-specific effectiveness of solar DEC-systems and provides insights on principally relevant and efficient system configurations.
In rural Kyrgyzstan, the energy need is usually derived from multiple natural energy resources such as firewood, charcoal, agricultural residues, animal dung, and wood branches, which are considered common and predominant practices. Because of the non-sustainable resources and heavy reliance on the environment, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in Central Asia. On the contrary, the great renewable energy potential in Kyrgyzstan is untapped, which could be the most promising solution to ensuring sustainable energy supply in the country. However, because of the lack of scientific knowledge, current energy policies, and the lack of infrastructure, renewable resources are mainly untapped. To exploit the country’s renewable energy potential, there is a need for a systematic diagnosis to develop a strategy to explore renewables in Kyrgyzstan, which is currently missing in the existing literature. In that regard, the presented study aims to assess the current status of renewable energy sources by considering the local energy context from a potential point of view. Further to this, it provides a comparative overview through a matrix of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Such novel analysis would be the fundamental base for formulating policy advice and a national plan to enhance the utilization of renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan. The presented analysis was carried out based on the extensive literature review, the country’s national plan, and the existing energy policies of Kyrgyzstan. The article found out that there is huge potential available for the renewable energy market. As compared to other renewable energy sources, solar energy has great potential and can be considered one of the pioneer sustainable sources for integration into the country’s power generation framework.
The growing share of fluctuating renewable electricity production within the German energy system causes the increasing necessity for flexible consumers, producers, and storage technologies to balance supply and demand. District heating networks with combined heat and power units, Power-to-Heat applications, and thermal energy storage capacities can serve as one of these flexible options. In this context, a simulation model of the district heating network of the rural community Dollnstein, Germany, was built. With the residual load of different regional areas (Germany, Bavaria, Eichstätt, Dollnstein) it is investigated, how the heat generators can operate in an electricity market beneficial way. Two different control algorithms were evaluated: Due to a correlation between the residual loads and the CO2 emissions of the electricity mix, the CO2 savings achieved by this control algorithm are determined. Another way to operate electricity market beneficial is to consider the current CO2 emissions of each region. The main outcomes of this paper are, that there is a high potential for sector coupling by shifting the operation times of a CHP and a heat pump according to the residual load. The electricity demand of the heat pump can be met in terms of low CO2 emissions of the electricity mix, while the CHP can replace electricity with high CO2 emissions. These results can be improved, by considering not the residual load but the current CO2 emissions in the control algorithm.