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1 – 10 of 26Azizat Olusola Gbadegesin, Yanxia Sun and Nnamdi I. Nwulu
Storage systems are deemed to be unable to provide revenue commensurate with the resources invested in them, thus discouraging their incorporation within power networks. In…
Abstract
Purpose
Storage systems are deemed to be unable to provide revenue commensurate with the resources invested in them, thus discouraging their incorporation within power networks. In prosumer microgrids, storage systems can provide revenue from reduced grid consumption, energy arbitraging or when serving as back-up power. This study aims to examine stacking these revenue streams with the aim of making storage systems financially viable for inclusion in prosumer microgrids.
Design/methodology/approach
With the aim of reducing self-consumption and maximising revenue, the prosumer microgrid incorporating hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) and solar PV power is solved using the CPLEX solver of the Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modeling Software (AIMMS). The financial analysis of the results is carried out to provide the payback periods of different system configurations of the prosumer microgrid.
Findings
The findings reveal that the payback period of the three HESS when minimising grid expenses during self-consumption alone and when compared with stacked revenue streams shows an improvement from 4.8–11.2 years to 2.4–6.6 years. With stacked HESS revenues, the supercapacitor-lithium ion battery HESS gave the shortest payback period of 2.31 years when solar PV power is at 75% penetration level.
Originality/value
Existing literature has considered revenue streams of storage systems at the electrical power transmission and distribution levels, but not for prosumer microgrids in particular. This study has captured these benefits and verified the profitability of stacking revenue from HESS to prosumer microgrids, using a case study.
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Tobias Menzel and Timm Teubner
This paper aims to present a conceptual framework for the emerging field of green energy platform economics.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a conceptual framework for the emerging field of green energy platform economics.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop a conceptual framework based on a careful review of the existing literature, and research into the current provider landscape and insights from academic and industry experts. The authors also examine the implications for the energy sector’s value chain and derive a research agenda based on those areas where research still needs to be pursued.
Findings
The framework combines the spatial characteristics of platform models (residential/mobile) with the different types of platform business model (B2C/C2C/C2Grid). Using this framework, the authors illustrate how green energy platforms can fundamentally disrupt the conventional electricity value chain by enabling prosumers to market their assets, creating new arenas for trading and collaboration, and by increasing transparency and competition in the sector. The authors also identify areas where more research is required, particularly empirical studies into energy forms other than electricity and analyses of currently underrepresented aspects such as user interfaces and social interactions.
Social implications
Green energy platforms have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the energy sector’s decarbonization, digitalization and decentralization, and hence to the deceleration of climate change.
Originality/value
This paper is among the first to provide a holistic perspective on platformization in the energy sector. It also offers a new perspective on platform economics in general that is based on the unique characteristics of energy as an economic good (intangibility, homogeneity, credence good).
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Vasantharaj Subramanian and Indragandhi Vairavasundaram
The purpose of this study is to eliminate voltage harmonics and instantly measure the positive sequence fundamental voltage during unbalanced grid conditions, the dual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to eliminate voltage harmonics and instantly measure the positive sequence fundamental voltage during unbalanced grid conditions, the dual second-order generalized integrator-phase locked loop used in series hybrid filter structures is often used in grid synchronisation in three-phase networks. The preferred series active hybrid power filter simultaneously compensates for voltage balancing and current harmonics generated by non-linear loads.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines the use of renewable energy–based microgrid (MG) to support linear and non-linear loads. It is capable of synchronising with both the utility and the diesel generator unit. Power is transferred from the grid throughout a stable grid situation with minimum renewable energy generation and maximum load demand. It synchronises with diesel generator set to supply the load and form an AC MG during outages and minimum renewable power generation. In islanded and grid-connected mode, the voltage and power quality issues of the MG are controlled by static synchronous compensator and series hybrid filter.
Findings
Because of the presence of non-linear loads, reactive loads in the distribution system and the injection of wind power into the grid integrated system result power quality issues like current harmonics, voltage fluctuations, reactive power demand, etc.
Originality/value
The voltage at the load (linear and non-linear) is regulated, and the power factor and total harmonic distortions were improved with the help of the series hybrid filter.
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Li Ji, Yiwei Zhang, Ruifeng Shi, Limin Jia and Xin Zhang
Green energy as a transportation supply trend is irreversible. In this paper, a highway energy supply system (HESS) evolution model is proposed to provide highway transportation…
Abstract
Purpose
Green energy as a transportation supply trend is irreversible. In this paper, a highway energy supply system (HESS) evolution model is proposed to provide highway transportation vehicles and service facilities with a clean electricity supply and form a new model of a source-grid-load-storage-charge synergistic highway-PV-WT integrated system (HPWIS). This paper aims to improve the flexibility index of highways and increase CO2 emission reduction of highways.
Design/methodology/approach
To maximize the integration potential, a new energy-generation, storage and information-integration station is established with a dynamic master–slave game model. The flexibility index is defined to evaluate the system ability to manage random fluctuations in power generation and load levels. Moreover, CO2 emission reduction is also quantified. Finally, the Lianhuo Expressway is taken as an example to calculate emission reduction and flexibility.
Findings
The results show that through the application of the scheduling strategy to the HPWIS, the flexibility index of the Lianhuo Expressway increased by 29.17%, promoting a corresponding decrease in CO2 emissions.
Originality/value
This paper proposed a new model to capture the evolution of the HESS, which provides highway transportation vehicles and service facilities with a clean electricity supply and achieves energy transfer aided by an energy storage system, thus forming a new model of a transportation energy system with source-grid-load-storage-charge synergy. An evaluation method is proposed to improve the air quality index through the coordination of new energy generation and environmental conditions, and dynamic configuration and dispatch are achieved with the master–slave game model.
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Alina Fedosova and Irina Volkova
This paper aims to identify the effects of client orientation on the business models of central power generation companies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the effects of client orientation on the business models of central power generation companies.
Design/methodology/approach
Five major Russian wholesale electricity market players have been selected for the analysis conducted by applying the “business model canvas”. To identify the changes induced by client orientation, the progress of companies’ business models has been traced over six years, from 2009 to 2015.
Findings
Five major trends in business model changes because of client orientation have been identified: declaration of the movement toward client orientation and adoption of client service standards; emergence of business diversification in favour of engineering, construction, service, operation and maintenance of power-generating facilities; increase in vertical integration; increase in the diversity of communication channels with consumers; and increase in the diversity of customer relationships. The results have been compared with those obtained from international studies. The conclusions about international and local characters of the trends are presented.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the knowledge of the current and upcoming changes in the business of central power generation companies triggered by the advent of electricity prosumers. The results are valuable for both management decision makers and theorists.
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Suzane Abou Chacra, Yesim Sireli and Umit Cali
This paper aims to introduce the current-state of the energy grid, to reviews new and enabling peer-to-peer and blockchain-based solutions and to propose a strategic go-to-market…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce the current-state of the energy grid, to reviews new and enabling peer-to-peer and blockchain-based solutions and to propose a strategic go-to-market framework, populated with energy companies strategically positioned to capture the unique opportunities present across the energy industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Hundreds of use-cases worldwide have been reviewed, and 50 worldwide blockchain energy companies and initiatives were included in this study based on the publicly accessible information that indicates their go-to-market strategies. As a result, these initiatives were classified into three main types of go-to-market strategies. Each company and its portfolio of blockchain-based solutions was described under these three categories.
Findings
Based on the research conducted in this review paper, it is evident that the adoption of blockchain-based technologies, solutions and services is accelerating at a rapid pace within the global energy industry to meet the needs and challenges that exist within it. Given the companies outlined in this paper, the opportunity to leverage blockchain technology while aligning to a social driver like green energy is perceived to be the most promising go-to-market strategy within this sector.
Originality/value
This study explores the apparent business plans of different blockchain initiatives around the world. Although there are a few other review papers recently published, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this approach has not been taken in other studies in terms of the categorization of available use-cases.
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Adela Bâra and Simona Vasilica Oprea
This paper aims to investigate and formulate several business models (BM) for various energy communities (EC) members: prosumers, storage facilities, electric vehicle (EV…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate and formulate several business models (BM) for various energy communities (EC) members: prosumers, storage facilities, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aggregators and local markets.
Design/methodology/approach
One of the flexibility drivers is triggered by avoiding the cost and maximizing value that consists of delivering a service such as increasing generation or reducing consumption when it is valued most. The transition to greener economies led to the emergence of aggregators that aggregate bits of flexibility and handle the interest of their providers, e.g. small entities such as consumers, prosumers and other small service providers. On one hand, the research method consists of formulating six BM and implementing a BM that includes several consumers and an aggregator, namely, scheduling the household electricity consumption (downstream) and using flexibility to obtain revenue or avoid the cost. This is usually performed by reducing or shifting the consumption from peak to off-peak hours when the energy is cheaper. Thus, the role of aggregators in EC is significant as they intermediate small-scale energy threads and large entities' requirements, such as grid operators or retailers. On the other hand, in the proposed BM, the aggregators' strategy (upstream) will be to minimize the cost of electricity procurement using consumers’ flexibility. They set up markets to buy flexibility that is valued as long as their costs are reduced.
Findings
Interesting insights are revealed, such as when the flexibility price doubles, the deficit coverage increases from 62% to 91% and both parties, consumers and retailers obtain financial benefits from the local market.
Research limitations/implications
One of the limitations of using the potential of flexibility is related to the high costs that are necessary to implement direct load control. Another issue is related to the data privacy aspects related to the breakdown of electricity consumption. Furthermore, data availability for scientific research is limited. However, this study expects that new BM for various EC members will emerge in the future largely depending on Information Communications and Technology developments.
Practical implications
An implementation of a local flexibility market (LFM) using 114 apartments with flexible loads is proposed, demonstrating the gains obtained from trading flexibility. For LFM simulation, this study considers exemplifying a BM using 114 apartments located in a multi-apartment building representing a small urban EC situated in the New England region in North America. Open data recorded in 2016 is provided by UMassTraceRepository.
Originality/value
As a novelty, six BM are proposed considering a bottom-up approach and including various EC members.
Stefan Höhne and Victor Tiberius
The purpose of this study is to formulate the most probable future scenario for the use of blockchain technology within the next 5–10 years in the electricity sector based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to formulate the most probable future scenario for the use of blockchain technology within the next 5–10 years in the electricity sector based on today’s experts’ views.
Design/methodology/approach
An international, two-stage Delphi study with 20 projections is used.
Findings
According to the experts, blockchain applications will be primarily based on permissioned or consortium blockchains. Blockchain-based applications will integrate Internet of Things devices in the power grid, manage the e-mobility infrastructure, automate billing and direct payment and issue certificates regarding the origin of electricity. Blockchain solutions are expected to play an important big role in fostering peer-to-peer trading in microgrids, further democratizing and decentralizing the energy sector. New regulatory frameworks become necessary.
Research limitations/implications
The Delphi study’s scope is rather broad than narrow and detailed. Further studies should focus on partial scenarios.
Practical implications
Electricity market participants should build blockchain-based competences and collaborate in current pilot projects.
Social implications
Blockchain technology will further decentralize the energy sector and probably reduce transaction costs.
Originality/value
Despite the assumed importance of blockchain technology, no coherent foresight study on its use and implications exists yet. This study closes this research gap.
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Diyana Sheharee Ranasinghe and Navodana Rodrigo
Blockchain for energy trading is a trending research area in the current context. However, a noticeable gap exists in the review articles focussing on solar energy trading with…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain for energy trading is a trending research area in the current context. However, a noticeable gap exists in the review articles focussing on solar energy trading with blockchain technology. Thus, this study aims to systematically examine and synthesise the existing research on implementing blockchain technology in sustainable solar energy trading.
Design/methodology/approach
The study pursued a systematic literature review to achieve its aim. The data extraction process focussed on the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, yielding an initial set of 129 articles. Subsequent screening and removal of duplicates led to 87 articles for bibliometric analysis, utilising VOSviewer software to discern evolutionary progress in the field. Following the establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a manual content analysis was conducted on a subset of 19 articles.
Findings
The results indicated a rising interest in publications on solar energy trading with blockchain technology. Some studies are exploring the integration of new technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence in this domain. However, challenges and limitations were identified, such as the absence of real-world solar energy trading projects.
Originality/value
This study offers a distinctive approach by integrating bibliometric and manual content analyses, a methodology seldom explored. It provides valuable recommendations for academia and industry, influencing future research and industry practices. Insights include integrating blockchain into solar energy trading and addressing knowledge gaps. These findings advance societal goals, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources (RES) and mitigating carbon emissions, fostering a sustainable future.
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Jacques Bou Abdo and Sherali Zeadally
The purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable development platform for water and energy peer-to-peer trading that is financially and economically feasible. Water and other…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design a sustainable development platform for water and energy peer-to-peer trading that is financially and economically feasible. Water and other resources are becoming scarcer every day, and developing countries are the neediest for an immediate intervention. Water, as a national need, is considered to be one of the most precious commodities, but it is also one of the main causes for conflicts in the 21st century. Rainwater harvesting and peer-to-peer trading of the harvested water is one of the most convenient, scalable and sustainable solutions but faces organization challenges such as the absence of suitable business models motivating normal users to sell their generated resources (such as water and energy), currency and financial settlement complexities and single utility markets.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a multi-utility trading platform based on the blockchain technology which can address the challenges faced by peer-to-peer trading for resources such as energy and water.
Findings
This paper presents a peer-to-peer multi-utility trading platform that solves the shortcomings of existing utility frameworks reported in the current literature.
Originality/value
This proposed platform meets the needs of developing countries as well as rural areas of developed countries. The open nature of the proposed design makes it suitable for adoption and use by various stakeholders.
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