Comparing Integrated Renewable Energy Systems for Smart Buildings/Cities

Renewable energy sources or systems are a promising alternative that can be used to supply energy to more sustainable and smart cities. However, before integrating or choosing a renewable energy system for a certain smart city, it is essential to understand the architecture and constant changes that might occur in a certain smart city.

When integrating renewable energy systems for a certain smart city, experts have to consider various existing factors. The smart city development process starts with focusing on the three main layers – intelligence, communication and the infrastructure, and how these align with residential, commercial and industrial needs.

To learn more about the different types of renewable energy sources that can power renewable energy systems, read the article below.

Types of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy  in the forms of solar and wind are increasingly being explored for the purpose of powering sustainable, smart cities. There are several advantages of renewable energy, but their potential to deliver an improved quality of life and form a core part of smart infrastructure is still uncertain. Below is our take on some of the main renewable options that can help build smart cities.

Solar

Through the help of solar cells, PV systems can easily convert sunlight into electricity.

Geographical information systems - and in particular image object classification technology - for urban landscapes is improving. Development planners can better identify which buildings and structures - be it rooftops, facades, unoccupied spaces, or railways, could feasibly use solar PV and analyse potential energy generation. Quantifying domestic and commercial solar PV capacity is now more accurate allowing for better projections to be made for installation plans.

Limitations

Even though solar energy is extremely beneficial for the environment and homeowners in the long term, the installation costs are very high so not everyone can afford it.

Installing solar PV in certain countries and cities, for example inner city London in the UK, comes at a high upfront cost. For example a typical family home in the UK would have an installation cost of £4,000 - £6,000, and with a lack of government incentives in place and communication on government policy, a significant adoption barrier exists.

Wind

Just like sunlight, wind energy is also extremely easy to obtain. Wind farms convert wind into electricity by using turbines. There are different types of wind conversion farms – some are commercial which means they generate wind energy on a large scale. There are also single wind turbines that help existing energy organizations.

Benefits

Unlike other types of energies, wind energy does not pollute the air. It does not release harmful chemicals in the air, like carbon dioxide, which makes it one of the safest options for a smart city. More advancement and research in wind energy can also create jobs for many people.

Limitations

Most wind farms are built in rural areas which makes it hard to supply energy to a city. This means that the wind energy will have to be transported using different measures that will only end up increasing costs. Many local residents do not prefer wind turbines since they create a lot of noise and are not aesthetically appealing to look at. Since wind turbines are extremely huge, they can also cause harm to birds.

Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric power is generated by water flowing through a dam’s turbines, which then produces electricity.

Benefits

The good thing about hydroelectric power is that it can be generated on a small or large scale. This renewable energy source does not create pollution, which makes it a great contender for an environment-friendly smart city.

Limitations

Even though hydroelectric power is not harmful, it can greatly affect the marine life. Hydroelectric power can change the water current, the water level and even the migration paths of fish which can result in their death.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy can be defined as the heat that is underneath the earth core and has been there since the beginning. When a large amount of this heat is released, it can result in natural disasters like geysers and volcanic eruptions. Even though this heat can cause a lot of damage, it can also be used to make geothermal energy.

Benefits

Geothermal energy is not very common since it is not easily accessible. However, it is extremely beneficial to the environment since it has a very small carbon footprint.

Limitations

Geothermal energy is extremely expensive. It can also be dangerous for the infrastructure of a smart city since it can make the place more vulnerable to earthquakes.

Hydrogen

After hydrogen is removed from an element, it can be used for electricity and fuel.

Benefits

Hydrogen can reduce the carbon footprint since it is a great alternative for fuel. Unlike traditional fuel, hydrogen will barely cause any pollution. Hydrogen can also be incorporated as fuel cells that can power an electric motor.

Limitations

Just like geothermal energy, hydrogen is not easily available. Hydrogen needs an entire energy source to be produced which makes it redundant when it comes to protecting the environment.

Biomass

Bioenergy is made from biomass. Biomass is an organic matter that is found in plants and other living organisms. Bioenergy can be generated in various ways but burning it is the most common.

Benefits

Burning biomass means that the carbon dioxide concentration in the air increases which can be consumed by plants. When plants consume carbon dioxide, the atmosphere is balanced. Biomass can be used on a small and large scale and can be produced from biofuels and wood.

Limitations

Biomass is beneficial but can be harmful if used on a large scale. Burning too much wood means releasing too much carbon dioxide in the air and since plants take time to grow, not all the energy is going to be absorbed by the plants and can ultimately increase pollution in your smart city.

Smart cities are being developed worldwide - perhaps in the future we will see standardisation across the main aspects of social governance, natural resource management, sustainable mobility and competitive provision. At present though, there are obvious constraints which need to be overcome, including the proposal of smart city solutions that will agree with local government policy, reliable cost projections for deployment, and realistic assessments of economic potential.

Some fossil-fuel based companies are publicly announcing their commitment in transitioning to renewables and investing in technology and business arms specialising in electric utilities powered by renewables. There are many trends in support of renewables at the moment, such as renewable energy bonds, if you wish to learn more.

Author Bio:-

Pangea Strategic Intelligence’s on demand energy consulting platform facilitates engagements with market-embedded Experts so Clients make better business decisions, faster.