The influence of demand-side flexibility and technology availability on the cost-optimal carbon-neutral Swiss energy system

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Theory
  • 2.1 Energy Systems Optimization
    • 2.1.1 Mathematical Foundations of Optimization
    • 2.1.2 Modeling Framework SecMOD
    • 2.1.3 Multi-Objective Optimization
  • 2.2 Literature Review on Heuristic Algorithms
    • 2.2.1 Trajectory-based Methods
• 3 Implementation of Constraints
  • 3.1 Technology Availabilities
    • 3.1.1 Alpine PV
    • 3.1.2 Wind Energy
    • 3.1.3 Electrified Residential Heating
    • 3.1.4 Carbon Capture and Storage
    • 3.1.5 Hydrogen Storages
  • 3.2 Demand-side Flexibilities
    • 3.2.1 Electricity Demand Flexibility
    • 3.2.2 Residential Heat Demand Flexibility
    • 3.2.3 Mobility Demand Flexibility
    • 3.2.4 Industrial Heat Storages
  • 3.3 Market Integration Levels
    • 3.3.1 Electricity Market
    • 3.3.2 Hydrogen and Synthetic Gas Market
    • 3.3.3 CO2 Compensation Abroad
  • 3.4 Consideration of Measure Costs
• 4 Heuristic Algorithms
  • 4.1 Considered Optimization Problem
  • 4.2 Preparation of the Heuristic Algorithms
    • 4.2.1 Total Cost Reduction Potential
    • 4.2.2 Individual Cost Reduction Potentials
  • 4.3 Heuristic Algorithm 1 "The Intuitive"
  • 4.4 Heuristic Algorithm 2 – "The Smart"
• 5 Case Study
  • 5.1 Swiss Energy System Model
    • 5.1.1 Spatial Aggregation
    • 5.1.2 Model Setup
  • 5.2 Model and Optimization Parametrization
  • 5.3 Limited Resource Availabilities
• 6 Results and Discussion
  • 6.1 Resulting Individual Cost Reduction Potentials
  • 6.2 All-Conservative vs. All-Progressive
    • 6.2.1 Cost Comparison
    • 6.2.2 Utilization of Progressive Technology Availabilities
    • 6.2.3 Carbon Balance
  • 6.3 Heuristic Algorithms Results
    • 6.3.1 "The Intuitive"
    • 6.3.2 "The Smart"
  • 6.4 Generation of Alternatives
  • 6.5 Discussion
    • 6.5.1 Interpretation
    • 6.5.2 Limitations of our Study

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master's thesis aims to investigate the influence of demand-side flexibility and technology availability on creating a cost-optimal, carbon-neutral Swiss energy system by 2050, while phasing out nuclear power. It addresses the computational challenges of optimizing a large energy system model by developing and comparing two heuristic algorithms.

• Cost optimization of a carbon-neutral Swiss energy system.
• The role of demand-side flexibility in energy system optimization.
• Evaluation of various technologies for carbon neutrality.
• Development and comparison of heuristic algorithms for energy system optimization.
• Synergistic effects of combining different measures (technology, flexibility, market integration).

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 introduces the context of Switzerland's commitment to carbon neutrality and the challenges involved. Chapter 2 lays the theoretical foundation, covering energy system optimization, the SecMOD modeling framework, and a review of heuristic algorithms. Chapter 3 details the implementation of constraints related to technology availability, demand-side flexibilities, and market integration. Chapters 4 describes the development of two heuristic algorithms, "The Intuitive" and "The Smart". Chapter 5 presents the case study using a spatially aggregated Swiss energy system model. Chapter 6, excluding the conclusion, will discuss the results of the optimization process, analyzing the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of different strategies.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Carbon neutrality, Swiss energy system, demand-side flexibility, technology availability, energy system optimization, heuristic algorithms, carbon capture and storage, model SecMOD, cost-optimal.