Smart Energy Network at residential to community levels: optimization of natural gas, electricity and heat with end-use devices

There is growing pressure from intergovernmental organizations, governments and consumers to reduce the quantity of greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. Investments in green technology such as renewable energy sources, battery technology and carbon capture and sequestration can often yield significant reductions in carbon emissions. However, the corresponding economic costs of these projects can regularly result in a balancing act between environmental benefit and affordable energy consumption. Smart Energy Network, SEN, systems could provide a solution to this dilemma. This proposal is about integration and optimization of the energy sources electricity (E), natural gas (NG), heat (or thermal, T) and end use devices at a community to residential level. Optimal integration of advanced storage, on-site generation, end-use devices, and large penetration of renewable energy sources will be studied. The main reason for integration and optimization of the energy sources is to deliver end-user services in the most affordable, reliable and sustainable way and to relieve grid congestion by conversion of energy sources, storage and multifunctional/multifuel end-use devices.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eric Croiset

Student:

Lena Ahmadi

Partner:

Canadian Gas Association

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of Waterloo