Conceptual Modelling of Seasonal Energy Storage Technologies for Residential Heating in a Dutch town Best

Abstract

The increasing growth of modern renewables in countries with significant seasonal variations leads to a growing amount of excessive energy generated in peak seasons. This combined with the shortage of renewable energy in off-peak periods, creates an emerging need for seasonal energy storages. Best is a town located south in the Netherlands. Heating with natural gas in the cold season is the major energy consuming function in the residential sector, in Best. In this paper, we investigate storage technologies that have the potential to replace natural gas as a source of heating in Best. We observe and analyze Best and investigate storage technologies to uncover key considerations. We create conceptual models of three suitable storage technologies. We use these models to compare the storage technologies and enable discussion around the key considerations. The conceptual models provide insight and understanding of the technologies and the considerations. The comparison points to power-to-gas (PtG), with the production of methane and supply of electricity to heat pumps, as the most suitable technology for Best.