Optimizing Energy Systems Through Multi-Energy Carrier Integration and Energy Hub
The expansion of district heating (DH) networks, increasing the share of renewable energy sources (RES) and waste heat and sector coupling by developing smart energy systems have been proven as a backbone for the decarbonisation of Europe`s energy supply . This includes energy generation from intermittent RES (e.g. wind and solar), and utilisation of waste heat with additional storage systems and sectoral interlinkages with power, gas, and cooling networks to ensure that no energy is wasted and is successfully aligned with energy demand. However, optimal technological solutions, market conditions and operation strategies for complex future energy systems are still lacking because the energy systems today are planned and managed independently and work as parallel supply chains. The overall goal of the project is to develop a roadmap for decision-makers on technical solutions, necessary legal framework and market conditions for the transformation of existing district heating systems towards more intelligent smart and interlinked energy supply systems with multi-carrier energy hubs in an environmentally sound, resilient, and business-based manner. Within the framework of the project, an optimization model will be developed for various technological solutions in the specific energy node in order to optimize energy flows in the smart energy supply and determine the future role of various technologies. The project will also complement the existing national energy sector model with feedback loops of smart energy systems, new technologies and management strategy structures based on the results of energy node modeling.
PROJECT FUNDED BY:
Latvia’s state budget Fundamental and Applied Research Project
Project No. lzp-2024/1-0307
PROJECT DURATION:
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
PROJECT BUDGET:
300 000,00 EUR
SCIENTIFIC LEADER OF THE PROJECT:
Ivars Veidenbergs
PUBLISHED:
09.01.2025.
Panel session held at the international scientific conference CONECT 2026
Professor Claudio Rochas moderated the fourth panel session of the COENCT conference, “Energy and Environmental Modelling,” which was attended by researchers and scientists from different continents, including representatives from Malaysia, Norway, Austria, Italy, and Latvia.
The panel session covered a wide range of current research, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of energy and environmental modelling. Topics presented included:
- sustainable development of agricultural products of marine origin,
- energy efficiency improvements in chemical processes through data-driven system identification,
- modelling the economic viability of building renovation in the context of carbon markets (with evidence from Malaysia),
- dynamic modelling and experimental validation of PEM systems integrated with renewable energy sources,
- Life cycle and cost analysis of biohazardous waste management systems (Ulaanbaatar case study),
- as well as creative and digital approaches to modeling sustainable urban development in the future.
The discussions emphasised the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the role of innovative modelling methods in addressing global energy and environmental challenges.
Project “OptiEnergyHub” – optimization of energy systems with an integrated approach
The project “Optimizing energy system performance through multi-energy carrier integration and energy hub strategies (OptiEnergyHub)” aims to manage energy flows sustainably, efficiently and smartly, promoting the transition to integrated energy systems that combine different energy sources and consumption points.
The following tasks are currently being implemented:
- Literature analysis ( desk review ) on multi-energy carrier systems, summarizing existing knowledge and technological approaches
- Development of a methodological framework for energy nodes , which will serve as a basis for system modeling and optimization
- Identification of a potential case study to practically apply the developed methodology
- Collection and generation of initial data , providing a quality basis for further analysis and system testing
The project promotes the transformation of the energy sector by integrating various energy carriers into a single optimized system that is able to adapt to changing needs and climate goals.
Dr.habil.sc.ing. Ivars Veidenbergs – projekta vadītājs
Dr.sc.ing. Andra Blumberga
Dr.sc.ing. Aiga Barisa
Dr.sc.ing. Vladimirs Kirsanovs
Ph.D. Ieva Pakere
Ph.D. Ritvars Freimanis
M.sc.ing. Matīss Navenickis
B.sc. Katrīna Buglova
Kristiāna Jasureviča
