Advancing smart net-zero energy buildings with renewable energy and electrical energy storage

Abstract

Renewable energy is prompted globally as the main direction for future energy sources due to its sustainability and decarbonization potential. The use of renewable energy in buildings has become essential in today's construction industry in the pursuit of sustainable development. To address the intermittency of renewable energy supply, electric energy storage technologies are integrated into buildings to help achieve reliable and efficient renewable energy supply. This review focuses on renewable energy-electrical energy storage systems for smart net-zero energy buildings to provide an updated overview of authorized reports and academic research. The global installed capacity, cost and policy support of various renewable energy-electrical energy storage technologies are first examined to demonstrate notable development in rising markets. Research advances in net-zero energy buildings with renewable energy-electrical energy storage systems are then summarized from aspects of renewable energy supply, electrical energy storage, demand side, grid response and flexibility management. In addition, energy management transactions and grid integration for smart buildings are reviewed considering innovative technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain and peer-to-peer trading to improve the application of renewable energy-electrical energy storage technologies in buildings. This study shows the promising future of renewable energy-electrical energy storage technologies for the realization of smart net-zero energy buildings. It provides an in-depth analysis of renewable energy-electrical energy storage systems for application in buildings regarding the global development status, application in net-zero energy buildings and implement of smart approaches, which can offer clear guidance for zero-energy and zero-carbon buildings.