The role of thermal power generation in a decarbonized energy system

Renewable energy sources are gaining an increasingly larger share of power generation. However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy requires flexible solutions to balance the grid during periods of reduced generation. Historically, thermal power plants based on fossil fuel combustion have provided this controllable energy supply. In the future, their role will be different. While short-term flexibility may be provided by battery storage or demand response, long-term and seasonal energy supply may still depend on thermal power units, but using renewable fuels. It remains uncertain which technologies will be best suited for specific applications and what the typical operating patterns of thermal power units will be.

Target:

This master’s thesis aims to evaluate the role of thermal power plants in a future energy system. Different technologies, including gas turbines, combustion engines, and fuel cells, will be compared by assessing and optimizing their deployment in a decarbonized energy system model of Europe. The first step involves developing a database of costs and technological performance for various technologies. This database will then be used to investigate the technologies within an existing European system model (ENERsim macrogrid) at LEC. Different scenarios and sensitivities will be defined, taking into account various boundary conditions such as energy imports, combined heat and power demands, and system load. The results will be evaluated based on total costs, efficiency, and resilience.

Tasks:

WP1: Literature research and database creation (PM1-PM2)
WP2: Setup of macro-energy system model by adapting ENERsim macrogrid (PM1-PM2)
WP3: Definition of scenarios and sensitivities (PM3-PM5)
WP4: Simulation and optimization of systems, evaluation of results (PM5)
WP5: Documentation and writing of master thesis (PM6)

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Duration: 6 months

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Nicole Wermuth, +43 (316) 873-30087, nicole.wermuth@ivt.tugraz.at

Dr. Bernhard Thaler, +43 (316) 873-30111, bernhard.thaler@lec.tugraz.at