Energy System CM: EnergyPLAN

In A Glance

This calculation module (CM) allows the user to use a simplified version of advanced energy system analyses tool EnergyPLAN in the Citiwatts environment. It has a focus on flexibility options related to the connection between electricity, heating and transportation sectors. The CM will hereafter be referred to as “CM EnergyPLAN”, whereas the downloadable full version will be referred to as EnergyPLAN. EnergyPLAN is a deterministic energy system analyses tool, that enables the user to analyse developments in the entire energy system across different energy sectors. The “CM EnergyPLAN”, however, only includes individual heating, district heating and transportation demands, as they relate to the connection to the electricity system, and the “CM EnergyPLAN” therefore is a limited and simplified version of EnergyPLAN. The “CM EnergyPLAN” therefore is developed with a focus on enabling the user to investigate these sectors effect on the electricity system, including the flexibility possibility options of these technologies. For the “CM EnergyPLAN”, version 16.3 of EnergyPLAN is used.

About EnergyPLAN

Here the software tool EnergyPLAN is described, being the underlying software behind the “CM EnergyPLAN”. EnergyPLAN can be downloaded at https://energyplan.eu/ EnergyPLAN has been developed and expanded on a continuous basis since 1999 and is continuously being developed by the Sustainable Energy Planning Research group at Aalborg University, Denmark. It has been used for a number of studies at different geographical scope, such as countries, regions, municipalities and cities which can be explored at: https://energyplan.eu/case-studies/ A scientific description of the overall structure of EnergyPLAN and the essential algorithms and computational structure can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.segy.2021.100007. The main purpose of the EnergyPLAN model is to analyse the energy, environmental, and economic impact of various energy strategies. The key objective is to model a variety of options so that they can be compared with one another, rather than model one ‘optimum’ solution based on defined pre-conditions. Using this methodology, it is possible to illustrate a palette of options for the energy system, rather than one core solution. This could classify EnergyPLAN as a ‘simulation’ tool rather than an optimisation tool, even though there is some optimisation within the model. Furthermore, the aim of EnergyPLAN is to model the ‘finishing point’ of the energy system rather than the starting point. The focus is placed on the future energy system and how that will operate, rather than on today’s energy system. Therefore, EnergyPLAN includes relatively detailed modelling of future technologies such as biomass gasification and synthetic fuels, but relatively aggregated modelling of today’s technologies such as power plants. The focus is on the future rather than the present.

Input values in the CM EnergyPLAN interface

In this the inputs in the “CM EnergyPLAN” interface are described. The inputs are divided into three groups: Inputs, Basic inputs and Advanced inputs.

Inputs

In Inputs it is possible to select distributions for the production and demand used in the simulation. With Standard the distribution files used are from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/), and here one set of distributions exist for each country. Currently, only this option is available. For insights on the general principles behind the creation of hourly profiles to model both demand and supply used by EnergyPLAN and “CM EnergyPLAN” a background report from the STRATEGO project can be examined: https://heatroadmap.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/STRATEGO-WP2-Background-Report-2-Hourly-Distributions-1.pdf Furthermore, country distribution files for external use in EnergyPLAN can be obtained through the EnergyPLAN website, where the Heat Roadmap Europe 4 study has available country models, including hourly distribution files.
https://energyplan.eu/case-studies/heat-roadmap-europe-4-hre4/

Basic inputs

In Basic inputs, different demands, productions, capacities and shares can be set. It is not a requirement to include all options, as options set to zero will not be included. E.g. if district heating is not relevant for the given simulation, the “Share of heating demand supplied by district heating” can simply be left at zero. Here is a description of each of the inputs in Basic inputs.

Wind power capacity installed

Here onshore wind power capacity installed can be inserted in MW. This can either be the current installed capacity in the given area, or it can be a potential future capacity if you want to simulate a potential future scenario. You can get inspiration from the other “CM – Wind potential” to identify potentials in the given area selected.

PV capacity installed

Here photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed can be inserted in MW-e. This can either be the current installed capacity in the given area, or it can be a potential future capacity if you want to simulate a potential future scenario. You can get inspiration from the other “CM – Solar thermal and PV potential” to identify potentials in the given area selected.

Inflexible electricity demand

Here the yearly electricity demand that are expected to be mainly inflexible are inserted in TWh/year. This is typically the current electricity demand excluding electrified heating options and electric vehicles.

Yearly heating demand using individual heat pumps

Here the share of the end-user heating demand supplied by individual heat pumps is selected. The end-user demand typically includes both space heating demand and hot water consumption, though in cases where air-to-air heat pumps are dominant it would only be the space heating demand.

Yearly heating demand using direct electric heating

Here the share of the end-user heating demand supplied by individual direct heating is selected. Direct electric heating is assumed to have an efficiency of 100%. The end-user demand typically includes both space heating demand and hot water consumption. In cases where air-to-air heat pumps are dominant, the hot water consumption in the heat pump heated buildings should be added here. Likewise, for district heating solutions where electric heaters are used for hot water consumption in the buildings, this electricity demand should also be added here on top.

End-use heating demand supplied by district heating

Here the share of the end-user heating demand supplied by district heating is selected. This will be the demand excluding the grid loss, meaning the demand at the building level. The end-user demand typically includes both space heating demand and hot water consumption. For district heating solutions where, electric heaters are used for hot water consumption in the buildings, this electricity demand for the hot water consumption should also be added to the “Share of heating demand using direct electric heating”.

Grid loss for district heating

Here the grid loss in the district heating grid is selected. The grid loss here is expressed as a percentage of the yearly production of district heating. The default value is 20%.

District heating based heat pump electric capacity

Here the heat pump electric capacity in the district heating systems is set in MW-e. This can either be the current capacity or a future potential capacity.

Capacity of electric boilers in district heating

Here the capacity of electric boilers in district heating can be set in MW. These are assumed to have an efficiency of 100%.

Share of district heating from non-electric units

As other district heating production technologies than heat pumps and electric boilers might be in use in the district heating systems, it is here possible to add a share of the yearly demand that is supplied by these units. Such units could be waste incineration, biomass-fired combined heat and power plants or excess heat from industrial processes. The tool includes these by in each hour add a production from these units as group before using the option of heat pumps or electric boilers. The hourly distribution of these is based on the choice made in Inputs, where using Standard the production of these units is simply assumed to be equally divided into each hour of the year. The default value is 50%.

District heating storage capacity

Here the heat storage capacity in the district heating system is set in average days of storage. An average day of production is found based on the yearly district heating production based on the “End-use heating demand supplied by district heating” and the “Grid loss for district heating”.

Number of EVs

Here the total number of electric vehicles can be inserted.

Share of EVs that can flexible charge

Here it can be set what percentage of the electric vehicles that are expected to be able to charge flexible depending on the needs in the energy system (e.g. by responding to price signals). Default value is 100%.

Yearly average EVs travelled distance per vehicle per year

Here the yearly distance driven by each electric vehicle in average are inserted in km/vehicle/year. Default value is 20,000 km/vehicle/year.

Yearly average energy consumption per km

Here the yearly energy consumption per km by each electric vehicle in average are inserted. Default value is 0.2 kWh/km.

Advanced inputs

In Advanced inputs, more details can be set for the inputs given in the Basic inputs if necessary.

COP value for individual heat pumps

Here the yearly average coefficient of performance (COP) of the individual heat pumps can be set. The default value is 3.

Capacity limit for individual heat pumps

Here the capacity limit for the individual heat pumps can be set. The capacity limit tells the simulation at what capacity direct electric heating is used to cover the peaks. The default value is 1, which means that no direct electric heating is used. A capacity limit of 0.8 would mean that the heat pump can cover up to 80% of the yearly peak, with the rest being covered by direct electric heating.

Heat Storage capacity per average day for individual heating solutions

Here the heat storage capacity for individual heating solutions can be set as a percentage of an average day of demand. The average day of demand is found based on the total of “Yearly heating demand using individual heat pumps” and “Yearly heating demand using direct electric heating”. Default value is 10%.

Yearly average COP value for district heating heat pumps

Here the yearly average coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pumps in district heating systems can be set. The default value is 3.

Max share of vehicles during peak demand

Here the maximum share of flexible charged vehicles which are driving during peak demand hour is set. The default value is 20%.

Share of parked cars connected

Here the share of parked flexible charged vehicles connected to the grid is set. The default value is 70%.

Charge and Discharge efficiency

Here the charge and discharge efficiency of the electric vehicles are set. The model is simplified by assuming that the charge and discharge efficiency is the same. Default value is 90%.

Share that can use V2G

Here the share of electric vehicles that deliver electricity back to the grid (vehicle-to-grid / V2G) can be set. Default value is 50%.

Charge capacity per vehicle

Here the average charge capacity per electric vehicle can be set. The model is simplified by assuming the same discharge capacity per vehicle. Default value is 11 kW/vehicle.

Battery storage capacity per vehicle

Here the average electric storage capacity per electric vehicle can be set. Default value is 80 kWh/vehicle.

Outputs from CM EnergyPLAN

Here the outputs from “CM EnergyPLAN” is described. The focus of the tool is flexibility in the electricity system, as such the outputs are main related to the operation of the electricity system.

Electricity consumption for heating

This shows the resulting yearly electricity consumption for heating in the defined system. This covers both the individual heating supply technologies as well as the ones related to district heating.

Electricity demand peak for heating

This shows the resulting yearly hourly peak demand for electricity for heating in the defined system. This covers both the individual heating supply technologies as well as the ones related to district heating.

Electricity consumption for transport

This shows the resulting yearly electricity consumption for electric vehicles. This includes losses related to V2G solutions, if that is included in the scenario.

Electricity demand peak for transport

This shows the resulting yearly hourly peak demand for electricity for electric vehicles.

Need for electricity import

This shows the resulting yearly import of electricity to the area, or the need power production by thermal power plants, as these are not included in “CM EnergyPLAN”.

Import peak

This shows the resulting yearly peak electricity import to the area, or the needed peak power production by thermal power plants, as these are not included in “CM EnergyPLAN”.

Potential export of electricity

This shows the resulting yearly export of electricity from the area, or electricity useable by other electricity demands not included. “CM EnergyPLAN” will try to utilize as much internal before it being a potential export.

Export peak

This shows the resulting yearly peak electricity export from the area. “CM EnergyPLAN” will try to utilize as much internal before it being a potential export.

Method

Here each input is connected to the corresponding input value in the EnergyPLAN input file. This information is not needed to use the CM but is simply to document the connection between the “CM EnergyPLAN” with the EnergyPLAN tool.

The inputs to the “CM EnergyPLAN” are presented per category, and they are numbered using numbers (1., 2., etc.) in each of the categories. First a the “CM EnergyPLAN” title is shown, followed in parentheses by the connection to EnergyPLAN including the variables that are changed in the EnergyPLAN input file in connection with the input to “CM EnergyPLAN”.

Renewables

Wind power capacity installed (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_RES1_capacity=)
PV capacity installed (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_RES3_capacity=)

Currently hourly production distributions (direct input to EnergyPLAN as Filnavn_wave= and Filnavn_pv=) are selected by the tool using the drop-down menu in Inputs. Standard uses existing distribution files for the selected country from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/).

Inflexible electricity demand

Inflexible electricity demand (direct input to EnergyPLAN as Input_el_demand_Twh=)

The distribution file for inflexible demand (Filnavn_elbehov=) is selected using the drop-down menu in Inputs. Standard uses existing distribution files for the selected country from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/).

Individual heating demand solutions

Yearly heating demand using individual heat pumps (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_HH_HP_heat=)
Yearly heating demand using direct electric heating (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_HH_EB_heat=)
Advanced inputs - COP value for individual heat pumps (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_HH_HP_COP=)
Advanced inputs - Capacity limit for individual heat pumps (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_HH_HP_CapLimit=)
Advanced inputs - Heat Storage capacity per average day (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_HH_EB_storage= and input_HH_HP_storage=)

Currently the heating demand distribution (Filnavn_individual_heatdemand=) is selected using the drop-down menu in Inputs. Standard uses existing distribution files for the selected country from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/).

District heating

End-use heating demand supplied by district heating (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_dh_ann_gr3=)
Grid loss for district heating (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_dh_ann_loss_gr3=)
Heat pump capacity (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_cap_hp3_el=)
Capacity of electric boilers in district heating (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_eh3=)
Share of district heating from non-electric units (using 1. and 2. a yearly production of these is calculated and is inserted in EnergyPLAN as input_ind_surplus_heat3=)
District heating storage capacity (using 1. and 2. an average daily demand is calculated, and the capacity is calculated by multiplying the number here, and afterwards inserted into EnergyPLAN as input_storage_gr3_cap=)
Advanced inputs - Yearly average COP value for district heating heat pumps (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_eff_hp3_cop=)

A distribution for production from units other than heat pumps and electric boilers is selected using the drop-down menu in Inputs (direct input to EnergyPLAN as Filnavn_ind_surplus_heat=) Standard uses existing distribution files for the selected country from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/).

Electric mobility/transportation

Number of EVs (Using 1., 3. and 4. the total electricity demand for EVs is calculated. With 2. this total is split into flexible chargeable EVs as input_transport_TWh_V2G= in EnergyPLAN, and then non-flexible EVs as input_transport_TWh=. 1. and 2. are also used with 9. to identify total charge capacity input_V2G_Cap_Charge=. 1., 2. 8., and 9. are used to identify V2G discharge capacity input_V2G_Cap_Inv=. 1., 2. and 10. are used to identify total battery capacity in flexible chargeable EVs input_V2G_Battery=)
Share of Evs that can flexible charge (see 1.)
Yearly average EVs travelled distance per vehicle per year (see 1.)
Yearly average energy consumption per km (see 1.)
Advanced inputs – Max share of vehicles during peak demand (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_V2G_MaxShare=)
Advanced inputs – Share of parked cars connected (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_V2G_ConnectionShare=)
Advanced inputs – Charge and Discharge efficiency (direct input to EnergyPLAN as input_V2G_Eff_Charge= and input_V2G_Eff_Inv=, meaning simply assumed same charge and discharge efficiency)
Advanced inputs – Share that can use V2G (see 1.)
Advanced inputs – Charge capacity per vehicle (see 1.)
Advanced inputs – Battery storage capacity per vehicle (see 1.)

The hourly distribution for driving demand (Filnavn_transport_V2G=) is selected using the drop-down menu in Inputs. Standard uses existing distribution files for the selected country from the European research project sEEnergies (https://www.seenergies.eu/).

Sample Run

Here is an example for Denmark, based on a scenario for a climate neutral energy system in 2045:

output_i_06012025

The data is based on the scenario presented in this journal publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112777. For this publication the full offline version of EnergyPLAN were used, and as the “CM EnergyPLAN” is a limited version of EnergyPLAN, the results shown in the screenshot are not directly comparable with those presented in the journal publication.

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References

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How To Cite

To come

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Authors And Reviewers

Peter Sorknæs, Alisson Aparecido Vitoriano Julio and Aksel Bang, Aalborg University

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License

To come

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Acknowledgement

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