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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 12864

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jian Chen

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Power System Intelligent Dispatch and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Interests: energy storage; active distribution network; integrated energy system; distributed generation; planning and operation; resilience enhancement

Prof. Dr. Wen Zhang

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Power System Intelligent Dispatch and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Interests: power system operation and control; state estimation; distribution network; dynamic stability; the application of artificial intelligence in power system

Dr. Yongliang Liang

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Power System Intelligent Dispatch and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Interests: fault analysis and identification of smart distribution networks; protection of active distribution networks; power transformer condition assessment; optimal dispatch of integrated energy system
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Dr. Muhammad Mamdouh Kabsha

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Guest Editor

Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
Interests: grid integration of renewable energy sources; HVDC; hybrid AC/DC microgrids; power system stability; power system control

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the world transitions towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the importance of efficient energy storage and the seamless integration of renewable energy systems becomes paramount. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, necessitates effective storage solutions to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply. Furthermore, the successful integration of these systems into existing energy infrastructure plays a pivotal role in maximizing their benefits and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

This Special Issue seeks original research and review articles that present new findings and innovative technologies in the areas of energy storage and the integration of renewable energy systems. We encourage submissions with a strong applied focus, emphasizing practical solutions and real-world implementation. Manuscripts should address the challenges associated with energy storage technologies, explore novel approaches for integrating renewable energy systems into the grid, and highlight the potential environmental and economic benefits of these advancements.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Planning and operation of energy storage systems;
Optimization and control strategies for renewable energy integration;
Modeling and simulation of energy storage and renewable energy systems;
Renewable energy forecasting and predictive analytics;
Security and stability for energy storage and renewable energy systems;
Hybrid energy systems combining multiple renewable sources and storage technologies;
Economics and business models for energy storage and renewable energy systems;
Energy storage technologies for enhancing energy resilience and reliability;
Integration of renewable energy in industrial and commercial sectors.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jian Chen
Prof. Dr. Wen Zhang
Dr. Yongliang Liang
Dr. Muhammad Mamdouh Kabsha
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

energy storage
renewable energy integration
energy management system
planning and operation
energy economics
environmental sustainability

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexibility-Constrained Energy Storage System Placement for Flexible Interconnected Distribution Networks

by Zhipeng Jing, Lipo Gao, Yu Mu and Dong Liang

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9129; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209129 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 706

Abstract

Configuring energy storage systems (ESSs) in distribution networks is an effective way to alleviate issues induced by intermittent distributed generation such as transformer overloading and line congestion. However, flexibility has not been fully taken into account when placing ESSs. This paper proposes a novel ESS placement method for flexible interconnected distribution networks considering flexibility constraints. An ESS siting and sizing model is formulated aiming to minimize the life-cycle cost of ESSs along with the annual network loss cost, electricity purchasing cost from the upper-level power grid, photovoltaic (PV) curtailment cost, and ESS scheduling cost while fulfilling various security constraints. Flexible ramp-up/-down constraints of the system are added to improve the ability to adapt to random changes in both power supply and demand sides, while a fluctuation rate of net load constraints is also added for each bus to reduce the net load fluctuation. The nonconvex model is then converted into a second-order cone programming formulation, which can be solved in an efficient manner. The proposed method is evaluated on a modified 33-bus flexible distribution network. The simulation results show that better flexibility can be achieved with slightly increased ESS investment costs. However, a large ESS capacity is needed to reduce the net load fluctuation to low levels, especially when the PV capacity is large. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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33 pages, 7015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Polymerized Sulfur Concrete for Underground Hydrogen Storage in Lined Rock Caverns

by Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed and Maisa El Gamal

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198595 - 3 Oct 2024

Viewed by 852

Abstract

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a viable solution to meet the growing global energy demand, making large-scale hydrogen storage essential for successfully realizing a full-scale hydrogen economy. Geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, salt caverns, and aquifers, have been identified as potential storage options. Additionally, unconventional methods like manufactured lined rock caverns and abandoned coal mines are gaining interest. This study introduces polymerized sulfur concrete (PSC) as a promising alternative to replace the current construction systems, which rely on Portland cement concrete and lining materials like stainless steel or polypropylene plastic liners. The paper presents the formulation of PSC, optimization of its compositional design, and evaluation of its physico-mechanical-chemical properties. The results demonstrate that PSC offers excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and low permeability, making it highly suitable for underground hydrogen storage in lined rock caverns. The results showed that the manufactured PSC exhibits excellent physicochemical properties in terms of compressive strength (35–58 MPa), density (2.277–2.488 g/cm³), setting time (30–60 min), curing time (24 h), air content (4–8%), moisture absorption potential (0.17–0.3%), maximum volumetric shrinkage (1.69–2.0%), and maximum service temperature (85–90 °C). Moreover, the PSC is nonconductive and classified with zero flame spread classification and fuel contribution. In addition, the SPC was found to be durable in harsh environmental conditions involving pressure, humidity, and pH variations. It is also capable of resisting corrosive environments. In addition, the statistical modeling indicates that an overall mixture proportion of 32.5 wt.% polymerized sulfur, 32.5 wt.% dune sands, 17.5 wt. % LFS, and 17.5 wt.% GGBFS appear optimal for density values ranging from 2.43 to 2.44 g/cm³ and compressive strength ranging from 52.0 to 53.2 MPa, indicating that the PSC can sustain formation pressure up to about 5.3 km below the ground surface. Therefore, by addressing the critical limitations of traditional materials, PSC proves to be a durable, environmentally sustainable solution for lined rock caverns, reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage and ensuring the integrity of storage systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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16 pages, 2804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Use of Energy Storage in the Form of Concrete Slabs as a Method for Sustainable Energy Management in a System with Active Thermal Insulation and Solar Collectors

by Barbara Król

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7645; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177645 - 3 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 712

Abstract

One effective approach to reducing the energy required for heating buildings is the use of active thermal insulation (ATI). This method involves delivering low-temperature heat to the exterior walls through a network of pipes carrying water. For ATI to be cost-effective, the energy supply must be affordable and is typically derived from geothermal or solar sources. Solar energy, in particular, requires thermal energy storage (TES) to manage the gap between summer and the heating season. A building that integrates various renewable energy systems and heating/cooling technologies should be managed efficiently and sustainably. The proper integration of these systems with smart management strategies can significantly lower a building’s carbon footprint and operational costs. This study analyzes the use of concrete slabs as a method for sustainable energy management in a system incorporating active thermal insulation and solar collectors. Using ambient temperature and solar radiation data specific to Cracow, Poland, the simulations evaluate the feasibility of employing a concrete slab positioned beneath the building as a thermal storage tank. The results reveal some drawbacks of using concrete slabs, including high temperatures that negatively affect system efficiency. Increased temperatures lead to higher heat losses, and during summer, inadequate insulation can cause additional heat leakage into the building. The findings suggest that water may be a more effective alternative for thermal energy storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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23 pages, 9482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Voltage Hierarchical Control Strategy for Distribution Networks Based on Regional Autonomy and Photovoltaic-Storage Coordination

by Jiang Wang, Jinchen Lan, Lianhui Wang, Yan Lin, Meimei Hao, Yan Zhang, Yang Xiang and Liang Qin

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166758 - 7 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1018

Abstract

High-penetration photovoltaic (PV) integration into a distribution network can cause serious voltage overruns. This study proposes a voltage hierarchical control method based on active and reactive power coordination to enhance the regional voltage autonomy of an active distribution network and improve the sustainability of new energy consumption. First, considering the reactive power margin and spatiotemporal characteristics of distributed photovoltaics, a reactive voltage modularity function is proposed to divide a distribution grid into voltage regions. Voltage region types and their weak points are then defined, and the voltage characteristics and governance needs of different regions are obtained through photovoltaic voltage regulation. Subsequently, a dual-layer optimal configuration model of energy storage that accounts for regional voltage regulation is established. The upper-layer model focuses on planned configurations to minimize the annual comprehensive operating cost of the energy storage system (ESS), while the lower-layer model focuses on optimal dispatch to achieve the best regional voltage quality. KKT conditions and the Big-M method are employed to convert the dual-layer model into a single-layer linear model for optimization and solution. Finally, an IEEE 33-node system with high-penetration photovoltaics is modeled using MATLAB (2022a). A comparative analysis of four scenarios shows that the comprehensive cost of an ESS decreased by 8.49%, total revenue increased by 19.36%, and the overall voltage deviation in the distribution network was reduced to 0.217%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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15 pages, 6252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Storing Electric Energy Generated by a Photovoltaic Installation to Increase Profit from Its Sale—Case Study in Poland

by Marcin Michalski, Jakub Polański and Magdalena Nemś

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135635 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 956

Abstract

Battery systems enable the sustainable use of energy from renewable energy installations that are characterized by variable time availability. The present study investigated the benefits of implementing an electrical energy storage system to a photovoltaic (PV) installation in the Polish climatic conditions. The impact of such a system on increasing profits from energy sales was verified. The use of storage allows for shifting the process of feeding energy into the grid to later hours when it is more expensive. The production volume and timing of energy generation were considered using the example of a 5 kWp research installation located in the Laboratory of Renewable Energy. The yields and energy prices were analyzed on an hourly basis for the year 2023. The considered system is additionally equipped with a battery with a capacity of 15 kWh. Analyses have shown that this system covers 55.6% of days in a year where the entire daily production from the PV installation can be stored. Additionally, the feasibility of using different energy storage capacities to shift the sale of the maximum energy volume was examined. Also the payback period of investments was considered for four scenarios (from the most expensive devices to the cheapest ones with subsidies). Prices were compared with profits resulting from the use of storage systems of a given capacity, as well as with the lengths of warranties covering the devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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25 pages, 4296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexibility Value of Multimodal Hydrogen Energy Utilization in Electric–Hydrogen–Thermal Systems

by Changcheng Li, Haoran Li, Hao Yue, Jinfeng Lv and Jian Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124939 - 8 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1102

Abstract

Hydrogen energy is now a crucial technological option for decarbonizing energy systems. Comprehensive utilization is a typical mode of hydrogen energy deployment, leveraging its excellent conversion capabilities. Hydrogen is often used in combination with electrical and thermal energy. However, current hydrogen utilization modes are relatively singular, resulting in low energy utilization efficiency and high wind curtailment rates. To improve energy utilization efficiency and promote the development of hydrogen energy, we discuss three utilization modes of hydrogen energy, including hydrogen storage, integration into a fuel cell and gas turbine hybrid power generation system, and hydrogen methanation. We propose a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization and integrate it into an electrolytic hydrogen–thermal integrated energy system (EHT-IES). A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization scheduling model for the EHT-IES is developed and solved using the Cplex solver to improve the operational feasibility of the EHT-IES, focusing on minimizing economic costs and reducing wind curtailment rates. Case studies in northwest China verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. By comparing various utilization modes, energy storage methods, and scenarios, this study demonstrated that integrating a hydrogen energy system with multimodal utilization into the EHT-IES offers significant technical benefits. It enhances energy utilization efficiency and promotes the absorption of wind energy, thereby increasing the flexibility of the EHT-IES. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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27 pages, 5028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Thermal Properties of an Active–Passive Heat Storage Wall System Incorporating Phase Change Materials in a Chinese Solar Greenhouse

by Yong Guan, Yan Chen, Lu Zhou, Zhixiong Wei, Wanling Hu and Yuchao Yang

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072624 - 22 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1265

Abstract

The use of renewable energy for food and vegetable production is a potential sustainable method to reduce fossil energy consumption. Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) are horticultural facility buildings in the northern hemisphere that use solar energy to produce off-season vegetables in winter. The north wall heat storage and release capacity of CSG has a significant impact on the indoor thermal–humidity environment. However, common traditional solar greenhouses commonly have problems such as insufficient heat storage and release, thick temperature stability zones inside the walls, and inability to dynamically regulate the entire greenhouse environment. Therefore, a novel active–passive heat storage wall system (APHSWS) incorporating phase change materials has been developed to promote the thermal performance of the CSG and its internal temperature of the thermal storage wall in this paper. Through experimental and simulation methods, the heat storage and release of the APHSWS and its impact on the greenhouse environment are investigated. The findings indicate that the APHSWS has increased the wall heat storage and release capacity, compared to the ordinary greenhouse without the APHSWS, in three typical weather conditions in winter (i.e., sunny, overcast, and cloudy); the average temperature of greenhouse with the APHSWS has increased in indoor air temperature, wall surface temperature, and soil surface temperatures of 1.58–6.06 °C, 2.71–6.58 °C, 0.91–6.39 °C, respectively; and during the experiment, the greenhouse with the APHSWS has a monthly average daily effective accumulated temperature of 1.39 times, 1.18 times, 0.60 times, and 0.20 times that of the ordinary greenhouse without the APHSWS from December to March of the next year, respectively. Under typical sunny conditions, the greenhouse wall heat storage capacity increased by 1.59–2.44 MJ/m² and the heat release capacity increased by 0.97–1.17 MJ/m². At the direction of wall thickness, the temperature at each point inside the wall with the APHSWS is always higher than that of ordinary wall without the APHSWS. In addition, the operating cost of the APHSWS in winter is analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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25 pages, 5815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Configuration of Multi-Energy Storage in an Electric–Thermal–Hydrogen Integrated Energy System Considering Extreme Disaster Scenarios

by Zhe Chen, Zihan Sun, Da Lin, Zhihao Li and Jian Chen

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2276; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062276 - 8 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1031

Abstract

Extreme disasters have become increasingly common in recent years and pose significant dangers to the integrated energy system’s secure and dependable energy supply. As a vital part of an integrated energy system, the energy storage system can help with emergency rescue and recovery during major disasters. In addition, it can improve energy utilization rates and regulate fluctuations in renewable energy under normal conditions. In this study, the sizing scheme of multi-energy storage equipment in the electric–thermal–hydrogen integrated energy system is optimized; economic optimization in the regular operating scenario and resilience enhancement in extreme disaster scenarios are also considered. A refined model of multi-energy storage is constructed, and a two-layer capacity configuration optimization model is proposed. This model is further enhanced by the integration of a Markov two-state fault transmission model, which simulates equipment defects and improves system resilience. The optimization process is solved using the tabu chaotic quantum particle swarm optimization (TCQPSO) algorithm to provide reliable and accurate optimization results. The results indicate that addressing severe disaster situations in a capacity configuration fully leverages the reserve energy function of energy storage and enhances system resilience while maintaining economic efficiency; furthermore, adjusting the load loss penalty coefficients offers a more targeted approach to the balancing of the system economy and resilience. Thus, new algorithmic choices and planning strategies for future research on enhancing the resilience of integrated energy systems under extreme disaster scenarios are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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22 pages, 13367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on Effects of Flow Channel Length on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Integrated System Performances

by Yuhang Liu, Jinyi Liu, Lirong Fu and Qiao Wang

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1643; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041643 - 16 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

The structural dimensions of the SOFC have an important influence on the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)-integrated system performance. The paper focuses on analyzing the effect of the flow channel length on the integrated system. The system model includes a 3-D SOFC model, established using COMSOL 6.1, and a 1-D model of the SOFC-integrated system established, using Aspen Plus V11. This analysis was conducted within an operating voltage range from 0.4 V to 0.9 V and flow channel length range from 6 cm to 18 cm for the SOFC-integrated system model. Performance evaluation indicators for integrated systems are conducted, focusing on three aspects: net electrical power, net electrical efficiency, and thermoelectric efficiency. The purpose of the paper is to explore the optimal flow channel length of SOFC in the integrated system. The results indicate that there is inevitably an optimal length in the integrated system at which both the net electrical power and net electrical efficiency reach their maximum values. When considering the heat recycling in the system, the integrated system with a flow channel length of 16 cm achieves the highest thermoelectric efficiency of 65.68% at 0.7 V. Therefore, there is a flow channel length that allows the system to achieve the highest thermoelectric efficiency. This study provides optimization ideas for the production and manufacturing of SOFCs from the perspective of practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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29 pages, 11530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Water-Light Complementary Systems for the Complex Terrain of the Southwestern China Plateau Region: A Two-Layer Model Approach

by Zhikai Hu, Zhumei Luo, Na Luo, Xiaoxv Zhang, Haocheng Chao and Linsheng Dai

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010292 - 28 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 947

Abstract

This study aimed to optimize the real-time, short-term dispatch of water-light complementary systems in plateau areas. A two-layer nested improved particle swarm optimization-stepwise optimization algorithm trial (IPSO-SOAT) model was devised to address the challenges posed by the intermittent, volatile, and random characteristics of renewable energy, leading to difficulties in renewable energy consumption and severe power cuts. The model, was employed to optimize the load distribution of complementary system power stations. The outer layer of the model employs an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm to introduce uncertainty and enhance prediction accuracy. Additionally, regional optimization and robust optimization were incorporated to improve prediction reliability. The objective function was aimed at minimizing the residual load variance. The inner layer of the model employs a stepwise optimization algorithm, coupled with a two-dimensional coding strategy for the hydropower unit, to optimize the operating status of the hydropower station unit. The objective function in this layer minimizes flow consumption. A water-light complementary system was comprehensively analyzed in the context of the southwestern plateau region, considering the complex terrain characteristics. By comparing three scenarios, the superiority and flexibility of the two-level nested model were visualized. The proposed double-layer nesting model minimizes energy and natural resource consumption while ensuring sustainability, resulting in a reduction of 15,644.265 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This technological innovation makes a significant contribution to sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Storage and Integration of Renewable Energy Systems towards Energy Sustainability)

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