Abstract
In this paper, a novel model to optimize the design of local energy networks with respect to operation and investment cost and environmental consequences is demonstrated. The chosen case study is based on a real case from a Norwegian municipality. Several alternatives to supply energy to a new suburb with detached houses are considered: Electrical boilers, ground source heat pumps, gas boilers and a simplified demonstration alternative of hydrogen fuel cell based on renewable energy. The alternatives are ranked with respect to operational and investment cost. Emissions from each alternative are also accounted for. Due to an integrated optimization of diurnal operation and investments, each design alternative can be inspected in the full-graphical user interface to verify the utilization of individual components during peak load and low load periods. © 2007 IEEE