Energisentralen UiS

Abstract

The transition to sustainable energy systems is critical in addressing the global energy crisis and achieving climate goals. This thesis examined the economic feasibility and performance of the Energy Central at the University of Stavanger (UiS), an advanced district energy system established to improve energy efficiency and sustainability on campus. Initially, the project focused on developing a dynamic simulation using the simulation software IPSEpro, to model the system for real-time monitoring and control. However, due to significant challenges with the software, the focus shifted toward a techno-economic analysis (TEA) supported by Excel-based calculations of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) under varying operational conditions. The objective was to evaluate how accurately the design assumption of a constant COP under all operational conditions reflected the system dynamics and how a more variable COP influenced the system’s economic outcomes.

The analysis revealed that the Energy Central has the potential to reduce campus 〖CO〗_2 emissions by approximately 80% and achieve significant energy savings. The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), calculated as 3,82, highlighted the system’s efficiency across varying seasonal demands, providing a comprehensive view of its real-world performance, though it is significantly lower than the design value of 4,4. The study also compared the SCOP to a fixed COP, illustrating the importance of dynamic performance metrics in capturing operational variability and ensuring accurate cost and efficiency assessments.

The Net Present Value (NPV) analysis highlighted the challenges of achieving profitability under current energy price scenarios. However, the system’s resilience to fluctuating energy prices and its reliance on renewable biogas for peak demands enhance its long-term viability. The integration of biogas demonstrated a reduction in 〖CO〗_2 emissions compared to natural gas, reinforcing the Energy Central’s role in sustainable energy transitions despite higher costs.

The thesis also highlighted the methodological challenges faced during the simulation phase, emphasising the need for user-friendly and well-supported modelling tools. The shift to a TEA provided valuable insights into the Energy Central. These findings contribute to the advancement of district energy systems by highlighting the significance of dynamic performance metrics like SCOP.

While financial returns appear limited, the environmental and operational benefits of the Energy Central make it a compelling model for sustainable energy initiatives. This work contributes to future research into enhancing district energy systems, advocating for the integration of alternative simulation tools, enhanced training, and artificial intelligence to improve system operation and analysis.

The transition to sustainable energy systems is critical in addressing the global energy crisis and achieving climate goals. This thesis examined the economic feasibility and performance of the Energy Central at the University of Stavanger (UiS), an advanced district energy system established to improve energy efficiency and sustainability on campus. Initially, the project focused on developing a dynamic simulation using the simulation software IPSEpro, to model the system for real-time monitoring and control. However, due to significant challenges with the software, the focus shifted toward a techno-economic analysis (TEA) supported by Excel-based calculations of the Coefficient of Performance (COP) under varying operational conditions. The objective was to evaluate how accurately the design assumption of a constant COP under all operational conditions reflected the system dynamics and how a more variable COP influenced the system’s economic outcomes.

The analysis revealed that the Energy Central has the potential to reduce campus 〖CO〗_2 emissions by approximately 80% and achieve significant energy savings. The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), calculated as 3,82, highlighted the system’s efficiency across varying seasonal demands, providing a comprehensive view of its real-world performance, though it is significantly lower than the design value of 4,4. The study also compared the SCOP to a fixed COP, illustrating the importance of dynamic performance metrics in capturing operational variability and ensuring accurate cost and efficiency assessments.

The Net Present Value (NPV) analysis highlighted the challenges of achieving profitability under current energy price scenarios. However, the system’s resilience to fluctuating energy prices and its reliance on renewable biogas for peak demands enhance its long-term viability. The integration of biogas demonstrated a reduction in 〖CO〗_2 emissions compared to natural gas, reinforcing the Energy Central’s role in sustainable energy transitions despite higher costs.

The thesis also highlighted the methodological challenges faced during the simulation phase, emphasising the need for user-friendly and well-supported modelling tools. The shift to a TEA provided valuable insights into the Energy Central. These findings contribute to the advancement of district energy systems by highlighting the significance of dynamic performance metrics like SCOP.

While financial returns appear limited, the environmental and operational benefits of the Energy Central make it a compelling model for sustainable energy initiatives. This work contributes to future research into enhancing district energy systems, advocating for the integration of alternative simulation tools, enhanced training, and artificial intelligence to improve system operation and analysis.