Multi-energy microgrid design and the role of coupling components—A review

Abstract

To create an eco-friendly and sustainable energy system, there is a requirement to decrease emissions and energy wastage across the electricity, transportation, and thermal sectors. As energy demands and consumption patterns are diverse, efficient systems such as multi-energy microgrids are pioneered to increase renewable penetration, reliability, resilience, and energy efficiency. However, the design and analysis are challenging because of intermittent renewable generation, high investment costs, robust network coupling, and dynamic load characteristics. This review examines the portfolio of components found in a multi-energy microgrid, particularly to meet electrical and heating loads. Additionally, this review analyzes the current modeling approaches for the components and their application in the planning, energy management, and control framework. The findings from this analysis highlight significant challenges and potential strategies to consider when designing multi-energy microgrids to support United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7, 11 and 13, which target clean, accessible, affordable, and low-emission energy systems.

One critical insight from this study is the additional flexibility and efficient renewable integration enabled by installing coupling components such as combined heat and power plants, electric heat pumps, and electric boilers. It was identified that the model accuracy of multi-energy microgrid components, particularly renewables, and interaction between the electrical and heating networks significantly impact the planning and operation of the multi-energy microgrids. In addition, emerging technologies such as fuel cells and electric vehicles and innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity were discussed to improve multi-energy microgrid operation.