Optimal management of multiple heat sources in a residential area by an energy management system

An energy management system (EMS) that achieves optimal operation by combining heat sources with different characteristics and using energy interchanges between residential dwellings was developed. Commercial fuel cell combined heat and power (FC-CHP) systems and CO2 heat pump water heaters (CO2HP) with high generation efficiencies have penetrated the Japanese residential market. In this real environment, the types or models of the installed heat sources vary between residential dwellings, and their energy demand is unknown. The EMS predicts energy generation and consumption and develops an optimum operational strategy that it uses to control energy equipment. It also continually revises the strategy and adjusts equipment controls to reflect actual conditions. The EMS is evaluated using a case study of a group of four residential dwellings with two different heat sources. Subsequent quantitative analysis shows that the EMS reduced energy costs by 10%. A sensitivity analysis also confirmed that it operates optimally even when energy prices are changed. •Energy management system for multiple heat sources in a residential area developed.•EMS realizes optimal operation by integrated management of entire energy system.•Energy interchange among consumer achieve flexible and cooperative operation.•Operational simulations with real energy demand data were performed.•The effectiveness of the EMS and energy interchange was quantitatively analyzed.