Net-zero energy management and optimization of commercial building sectors with hybrid renewable energy systems integrated with energy storage of pumped hydro and hydrogen taxis

This study develops net-zero energy management and optimization approaches for the commercial building sector in cities powered by renewable energy systems integrated with energy storage of pumped hydro and hydrogen taxis, based on the estimated installation potential of solar photovoltaics and offshore wind power. A novel time-of-use energy management strategy of hybrid renewable energy and storage systems is proposed considering the future-oriented application scenario with high renewable energy generation and shifted peak power periods. Multi-objective optimizations are conducted to find the techno-economic-environmental optimum sizing configurations of the pumped hydro storage. Research results indicate that most of Pareto optimal solutions are achieved with large pumped hydro sizes applied in net-zero energy commercial building sectors. The proposed future-oriented time-of-use strategy significantly improves the system supply and economic performance, in terms of the renewable energy self-consumption (+9.24%), load coverage (+6.10%) and annual electricity bill (-25.21%) compared with the current time-of-use case. Obvious decarbonisation benefits of the renewable power supply and renewable hydrogen mobility are achieved with carbon emission reduction of 95.14% (14713.49 M kg CO2) compared with the traditional grid power supply and 80.74% (293.91 M kg CO2) compared with the traditional petroleum taxis under the future-oriented time-of-use strategy. The proposed net- zero energy planning framework for urban building sectors integrating decarbonized transportation can be applied in similar coastline cities in the globe as important references and guidelines to policymakers for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Automated summary

This study explores net-zero energy management and optimization approaches for commercial buildings powered by renewable energy systems and energy storage. The results indicate that large-scale energy storage systems are optimal for net-zero energy commercial buildings. A future-oriented time-of-use strategy significantly improves system supply and economic performance, while reducing carbon emissions from renewable power supply and renewable hydrogen mobility. The proposed net-zero energy planning framework can serve as a reference for achieving carbon neutrality in similar coastal cities worldwide.