Integrating gas energy storage system in a peer-to-peer community energy market for enhanced operation

Increased use of distributed generation technologies such as photovoltaics (PVs) has transformed passive consumers into active prosumers. While prosumers can contribute to emissions reduction efforts by using PV energy, the utilization of these technologies can also bring about several problems in the grid such as congestion and voltage variation. These problems could be mitigated if intermittent energy can be consumed where it is produced or alternatively converted to gas using power-to-gas (P2G) technology. In this regard, a peer-to-peer (P2P) energy market with an integrated gas-energy storage system (GESS) is relevant to enhancing the utilization of locally produced energy. This can also minimize grid congestion and other problems due to reduced import (export) from (to) the grid. GESS consists of a P2G unit, gas storage unit and hydrogen fuel cell unit for storing surplus PV energy in gaseous form. Prosumers and GESS purchase surplus PV energy with proposed P2P market mechanism. It is observed that GESS integration increases the community's economic social welfare and reduces the reliance on the electricity grid.