A new approach to energy resources management in a grid-connected building equipped with energy production and storage systems: A case study in the south of France

In the present paper, a new approach to energy resources management in a residential microgrid is proposed and evaluated in simulation, using energy and economic criteria. Its aim is to improve energy efficiency as well as interaction with the electricity grid. So, a grid-connected building located in Perpignan (south of France) and equipped with energy production and storage systems has been modelled using the TRNSYS software. We designed and managed these systems optimally and highlighted configurations that promote self-consumption of energy. In addition, the negative impact on the grid of local power generation (related to both energy injection and extraction) is minimized. The combination of photovoltaic solar panels and a vertical-axis wind turbine as a viable energy mix option for residential buildings in Southern France has also been evaluated. At least, we appraised the way electricity storage impacts on performance as well as the savings one can achieve by shifting some domestic loads from on-peak to off-peak periods. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.