A Detailed Model for Multi-Energy Systems with Integrated Control Schemes

Considering the residential sector, greenhouse gas emissions can be effectively reduced by the widespread deployment of distributed renewable energy sources (DRESs) in low-voltage (LV) electrical networks (ENs). Through the electrification and the integration of different energy systems, the exploitation of the locally generated renewable energy can be further increased, acting also as an efficient countermeasure to the technical challenges posed by the intermittent nature of DRES units. This work deals with the modeling of multi-energy systems (MESs) consisting of ENs and district heating networks (DHNs). A detailed model is developed and compared with an already existing open-source tool in terms of accuracy and modeling capability. The model is enhanced by the incorporation of thermal droop control schemes into the DHN components. The validity of the proposed model is assessed via simulations on a MES composed of a LV EN and a real DHN, highlighting also the contribution of the integrated control schemes towards improving the operational reliability and exploitation of the DRES potential.