Enhancing storage integration in buildings with photovoltaics (PV-ESTIA project)

Abstract

European Union's energy targets for 2030 include the transformation of the building stock to nearly zero energy buildings (NZEBs). NZEBs are characterized by reduced net-energy demand, since most of their energy needs are met by on-site renewable energy sources, especially photovoltaics (PVs). Consequently, in the following years, a considerable amount of intermittent solar generators will be connected in the electrical grid posing new challenges concerning the secure and reliable grid operation. To effectively address these challenges, the integration of energy storage systems (ESSs) in NZEBs is considered as the most promising solution. Towards this objective, the PV-ESTIA project aims to develop an innovative management scheme for hybrid PV and storage systems in order to promote the use of ESSs in the building environment. In the framework of the project, the proposed management scheme will be tested and validated under real-field conditions at pilot installations placed in the Balkan Mediterranean (Balkan-MED) region. Additionally, the distinct features and functionalities of the proposed scheme will be further evaluated during the project through the development of optimization tools. This paper presents briefly the main activities and the expected outcomes of the PV-ESTIA project, focusing on the conceptual analysis of the foreseen management scheme for hybrid PV and storage systems. Additionally, potential barriers related with the integration of ESSs in buildings at the Balkan-MED region are identified and discussed. Finally, a detailed analysis of the pilot installations which will be developed in the framework of the PV-ESTIA project is presented.