Economic and environmental performances quantification of the University of Genoa Smart Polygeneration Microgrid

Nowadays, one of the most important research lines on smart power grids and microgrids is related to the evaluation of how such active infrastructures can increase energy efficiency, minimize greenhouse gases emissions and contribute to a deeper penetration of renewable energy sources. To investigate this issue, several test-bed facilities/demonstrators have been designed and are now running or under construction all over the world in order to perform experimental research and testing. Among them, it is important to cite the Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM) developed by the University of Genoa at Savona Campus facilities. The present paper describes the SPM structure and proposes a general method to estimate the economic and environmental benefits connected with the use of its renewable energy sources and cogeneration plants; in particular, the attention is focused on the SPM running costs, the CO2 emissions and the primary energy use. The calculation method is explained in details, referring to the “winter configuration” for the SPM trigeneration system.