An approach for modelling a decentralised energy system

The need for flexible electricity systems, changing regulations and the importance of renewable energy use may lead in time to the requirement of a decentralised electricity network. This paper presents an outline for developing a model of the decentralised energy network based on `energy hubs'. Energy hubs are units whereby multiple energy carriers are converted to energy services such as electricity and heating to meet a specified energy demand. The approach for using energy hubs will be outlined and transformed to cohere with the cell concept, taken from the Supergen Highly Distributed Power Systems (HDPS) and Highly Distributed Energy Future projects (HiDEF). The model will be augmented to take account of storage and other DERs (distributed Energy resources). Furthermore, the paper will also discuss how the networks that incorporate smart grid concepts and how aspects of community engagement and demand side management may be taken into account.