By Ashwini Sakharkar 22 Sep, 2024
Collected at: https://www.techexplorist.com/ai-powered-approach-establishing-carbon-neutral-energy-city/90109/
A collaboration between the Renewable Energy System Laboratory and the Energy ICT Research Department at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies that are poised to revolutionize urban electrification using artificial intelligence (AI).
The concept of urban electrification is a powerful initiative aimed at curbing the reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources, such as building-integrated solar technology, to overhaul urban energy systems. While this innovative approach may be relatively novel in the Republic of Korea, it has already emerged as a pivotal strategy in the U.S. and Europe for achieving carbon neutrality and fostering sustainable urban environments.
In traditional urban models, energy supply can be easily adjusted using fossil fuels to meet electricity demand. However, in electrified cities, the high dependence on renewable energy leads to greater variability in energy supply due to weather changes. This causes mismatches in electricity demand across buildings and makes the stable operation of the power grid more challenging.
In particular, Low-Probability, high-impact events (LPHI), such as sudden cold snaps or extreme heat waves, can cause a sharp increase in energy demand while limiting energy production. These events pose a significant threat to the stability of the urban power grid, potentially leading to large-scale blackouts.
To address these challenges, a groundbreaking energy management algorithm based on AI analysis has been developed and successfully integrated into the system. The results are impressive, showing an 18% reduction in electricity costs compared to conventional methods. This innovative solution not only enhances power grid stability but also paves the way for more efficient and sustainable urban energy management.
The research team harnessed the power of AI to delve into energy consumption patterns by building type and renewable energy production patterns. They unraveled the intricate web of factors influencing the power grid, from weather and human behavior to the scale and operational status of renewable energy facilities. Their groundbreaking discovery revealed that Low-Probability, High-Impact Events, which occur on average only 1.7 days per year, wield immense influence over the stability of the power grid and its operational costs.
This wealth of knowledge was transformed into an algorithm and a system designed to optimize energy sharing between buildings, effectively manage peak demand and energy production, and crucially, respond to Low-Probability High-Impact Events. The result is a robust system that ensures the stability of the power grid even in the face of extreme circumstances.
When the cutting-edge system was put to the test in a real-world urban setting, it delivered remarkable results. We’re talking about an impressive 38% energy self-sufficiency rate and a whopping 58% self-consumption rate. These numbers represent a significant leap from the 20% self-sufficiency and 30% self-consumption rates observed in buildings without the system. Not only that, but this implementation also led to an 18% reduction in electricity costs and a substantial boost in power grid stability.
The annual energy consumption during the demonstration stood at 107 megawatt-hours (MWh), which is a staggering seven times larger than what was previously simulated by top international institutions. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread adoption in real urban environments, promising a brighter, more sustainable future.
“The results of this study demonstrate that AI can enhance the efficiency of urban electrification and address power grid stability issues while also highlighting the importance of managing Low-Probability, High-Impact Events,” said Dr. Gwangwoo Han, the lead author of the paper and a researcher at the Energy ICT Research Department. “by applying this system to various urban environments in the future, we can improve energy efficiency and enhance grid stability, ultimately making a significant contribution to achieving carbon neutrality.”
Journal reference:
- Gwangwoo Han, Young-Sub An, Jong-Kyu Kim, Dong Eun Jung, Hong-Jin Joo, Haneol Kim, Min-Hwi Kim. Analysis of grid flexibility in 100% electrified urban energy community: A year-long empirical study. Sustainable Cities and Society, 2024; DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2024.105648
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