Spatial and temporal disaggregation of whole system energy models through exemplar local multi-carrier networks

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Different futures of domestic energy use - in particular, considering options in heat provision - are simulated and analysed within characteristic UK local energy systems (urban, suburban, rural) in order to determine the Delivered Cost of Energy, Emissions Intensity, and Abatement Cost for different technology options across multiple carriers, including both options in electrification and the use of alternative gases. This incorporates the costs and efficiencies of domestic technologies, district heating options, and the necessary levels of network reinforcement.;The methodology extends the use of an existing Energy Hub optimisation model into the multi-carrier assessment of domestic heat incorporating high levels of spatial and temporal detail, and determines the respective contributions each technology may make to carbon emissions reduction. The optimal choice of technology is found to differ according to the spatial characteristics of the location, with a greater value for thermal storage and local supply arrangements with renewable energy sources where the per-customer cost of infrastructure reinforcement is higher.;The use of resources with a high emissions intensity may be displaced through time-shifting of demand towards the use of lower-intensity carriers to overcome existing network capacity constraints. The results are used to disaggregate infrastructure costs and technical parameters into the domestic heating sector in the UK TIMES model, showing that recognition of a greater diversity of infrastructure capacities and costs entails a greater diversity in technology selections when seeking a least-cost trajectory towards national emission targets, with increased use of district heating systems and night storage over a non-spatially disaggregated formulation.;There is a strong potential for the coordination of local renewable output in constrained networks with local heat demand, with total abatement costs reduced where this value can be unlocked through investment in domestic low-carbon heating technologies such as heat pumps and thermal stores.
Date of Award21 Sept 2018
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • University Of Strathclyde
SupervisorKeith Bell (Supervisor) & Ivana Kockar (Supervisor)

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