A methodology for the design of an urban energy distribution network of prosumers

Abstract

Since cities are responsible for the 67% of the world s energy demand and are the major contributors of CO2 emissions, governments and researchers push towards energy policy initiatives aiming at increasing the sustainability of urban areas. In this context, the diffusion of autonomous energy production systems on territory has been recognized as a cost-effective solution; moreover, their integration gives to consumers the possibility to exchange their own produced energy. This permits to configure a network of energy interactions among prosumers , i.e. consumers with production capabilities. In order to design the optimal energy distribution network among prosumers and, the same time, minimize the energy supply from traditional power plants, a comprehensive and focused approach is introduced and developed in this paper. The presented model encompasses the frameworks of both complex networks theory and agent-based models to provide a suitable solution of the energy distribution problem. The study is conducted for static and dynamical scenarios and the theoretical simulations are then compared to a real case study. Overall, the proposed model offers significant insights for the definition of proper urban action plans centered on the efficient usage of energy and favouring the exploitation of renewable energy, thus allowing urban planners to make reasoned investment decisions.