Optimal storage systems for residential energy systems in British Columbia

In recent years, deployment of low carbon energy systems to supply electricity in residential buildings has increased. These energy systems typically integrate different renewable energy resources with energy storage systems to meet electrical energy demand. This paper applies the energy hub model to various energy systems for residential buildings in British Columbia considering several scenarios. We explore the energy system changes in on-grid, off-grid and 100% renewable scenarios. In on-grid systems, the trade off between grid connection and energy storage is explored; the results shows that even the cheapest energy storage system is not feasible with the current cost of grid electricity. For off-grid systems with a diesel generator, storage technologies are used in some energy systems, however the systems still have carbon emissions. Finally, for 100% renewable off-grid systems, both Li-ion and pumped hydro storage systems are used to handle diurnal and seasonal intermittency.

Automated summary

This paper examines the changes in energy systems for residential buildings in British Columbia, considering scenarios of on-grid, off-grid, and 100% renewable. It finds that in on-grid systems, there is a trade-off between grid connection and energy storage, while off-grid systems using storage technologies still have carbon emissions. In 100% renewable off-grid systems, both Li-ion and pumped hydro storage systems are used to address intermittency.