EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRIFICATION IN INTEGRATED ENERGY SYSTEMS AT DISTRICT SCALE

The decarbonization of the energy sector is a global priority, as it aims to mitigate the consequences of climate change. One of the possible solutions could be the electrification of heat and mobility through heat pumps and charging infrastructures for electric vehicles, respectively. Evaluating future scenarios of electrification in complex energy systems is paramount to assess the effects of substitution of traditional technologies, and to define optimal pathways for this transition. In such context, this work employs an in-house tool for the simulation of integrated energy systems, including Renewable Energy Communities and thermal networks, to assess the impact of progressive electrification. The tool comprises a library of models that represent energy conversion technologies, storage devices and buildings, thermal and electrical networks, and an energy management algorithm based on priority rules. The models have a coherent structure and causality, and therefore they can be used in a modular way to represent complex energy systems with different layouts. A university campus in northern Italy is selected as a realistic case: several future scenarios that are simulated include a growing penetration of photovoltaic plants, a progressive replacement of natural gas boilers with electrically driven heat pumps, and the extension of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure within the perimeter of the campus. The results of the different scenarios are compared in terms of relevant performance indicators: renewable electricity delivered to the power grid, electrical self-consumption and potential for power sharing, fossil fuel usage, and specific non-renewable primary energy and carbon dioxide emission per unit of useful energy produced.