Decentralized generation in urban districts: Optimal planning considering uncertainties

This paper proposes a decision model for the planning of decentralized energy production in urban areas. The approach aims at finding the optimal mix and sizing of the generation units to be installed in a number of sites, given the characteristics of each location in terms of radiation, wind potential, electrical and thermal loads, etc. Both dispatchable and renewable (non-dispatchable) energy sources are taken into account; in particular, in the present application the sources considered for installation include cogeneration microturbines, photovoltaic plants and wind turbines. As both renewable sources and loads are stochastic in nature, a proper approach is used to evaluate the effects of the related uncertainties. The proposed model is applied to a neighborhood in Savona, Italy. The goal of the technique is to represent a tool for a decision maker when planning investments in different urban areas, in the context of the transition from a traditional city to a 'smart' one.