Control of highly cross-coupled integrated energy systems

De La Cruz Loredo, Ivan 2024. Control of highly cross-coupled integrated energy systems. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

The integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid plays a vital role in the transition towards low-emissions energy systems. As a consequence of this push towards decarbonisation, the ways that flexibility is procured are undergoing substantial changes. In particular, heating networks emerge as a promising avenue for distributed flexibility provision due to the significant role heating needs play in global energy consumption. Co-generation plants and power-to-heat units coupling electricity and heating networks can be exploited to simultaneously provide cost-effective flexibility and satisfy the local energy demands by employing demand-side management techniques. Electricity system operators are required to procure distributed flexibility from different providers via transactions in electricity markets by contractual agreements, buying power capacities or output variation from the different market participants. For an effective settlement of transactions, participants must be able to estimate the flexibility provision capacities they are able to deliver. This thesis presents novel contributions to the dynamic modelling, simulation and flexibility quantification methods for heating networks, aimed at enhancing their participation in intraday flexibility markets. Key innovations include: • Dynamic models for heating network components: This research introduces several novel dynamic models, including a multi-node model for hot water storage tanks with high thermal stratification, a fine-tuned dynamic model for reciprocating engine-based CHP plants, and an integrated dynamic model of a heating network. These models incorporate process control systems to manage heating supply, demand, and storage. • Integrated simulation framework: A new simulation framework was developed for real-time flexibility quantification and procurement. This framework integrates novel models with predefined models of network elements available in dynamic process simulators, enabling comprehensive analysis and integration of flexibility quantification modules under an intraday market structure. • Practical demonstration of flexibility constraints: The research identifies and demonstrates the operational constraints of heating networks, revealing the risks of exceeding these constraints due to network dynamics. It also showcases the effectiveness of dynamic models to study and evaluate operational feasibility and how the flexible operation of thermal energy storage units can mitigate these risks. • Methodology for characterising intraday flexibility: A novel methodology is introduced for characterising intraday flexibility in heating networks. This approach uses dynamic thermal models to quantify flexibility based on the dynamic temperature distribution in the network, energy vector interactions, and non-linear dynamics. Unlike existing methodologies, the methodology developed considers variability in heating demand and water flows and the impact of market interactions. Overall, this thesis contributes to exploit the intraday flexibility of heating networks, offering innovative tools and methodologies for their effective participation in flexibility markets.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Heat Networks, Integrated Energy, Intraday Flexibility, flexibility quantification, Thermal Energy, Dynamic Modelling
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 November 2024
Last Modified:	08 Nov 2024 14:04
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/173767

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