Intelligent analysis and design of heat pump based hybrid renewable energy systems operating in the Irish cool marine climate

Abstract

Addressing concerns about security of energy supply, sustainability and climate change drives the shift towards greener economies based on a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Although this transition is accelerating, many economic and technical challenges remain. The development of hybrid energy systems that combine two or more renewable sources have the potential to provide more cost effective and reliable renewable energy fraction when the appropriate size and combination of systems are utilized. This paper presents a methodology that employs artificial intelligence tools for data analysis in order to design and optimize systems that deliver low grade thermal energy to buildings and industrial applications operating in the Irish cool marine climate. The methodology uses measured weather and thermal energy consumption data from both a public building and an industrial process between 2008 and 2009. Results demonstrate significant capital cost reduction with multi-source hybrid systems and improved performance.