Open-source energy planning tool with easy-to-parameterize components for the conception of polygeneration systems

Polygeneration systems are a key technology for the reduction of primary energy usage and emissions. High costs, lack of flexibility and effort for parameterization hinder the wide usage of modeling tools during their conceptual design. This paper describes how planning tools can be structured for the conceptual design phase where only little information is available to the planner. A library concept was developed using the principles of object-oriented modeling to address the flexibility issue. With respect to cost and expandability, the open-source modeling language Modelica was chosen. Furthermore, easy-to-parameterize component models were developed. In addition to the improved library concept and novel component models, an easy-to-adapt control concept is proposed. The component models were validated and the applicability of the library was demonstrated by means of an example. It was shown that the data usually obtained from spec sheets are sufficient to parameterize the models. In addition to this, the control concept was approved. •An open source library concept is proposed for the concept phase of energy planning.•The library is based on the object-oriented modeling language Modelica.•The library consists of easy-to-parameterize and experimentally validated component models.•For example, the internal combustion engine (ICE) model requires only four parameters.•The approaches to component’s description allow for short simulation run-time.