Towards Distributed Energy Generation: Parameters and Methods for Power Balancing in a Hybrid Electricity Supply System for District Heating Enterprises

The transition to energy independence requires the application of flexible approaches and the diversification of distributed energy generation technologies. This article substantiates the feasibility of using a hybrid power supply system incorporating renewable generation sources and a cogeneration plant to enhance the reliability of power supply to centralised heat supply boiler houses. Criteria and approaches to structuring and balancing the hybrid system are proposed, based on an analysis of the nature of electricity consumption and the nature of generation by its structural elements, using the example of Ukraine’s district heating enterprises. The structure of the hybrid system has been determined, taking into account seasonal variations in operation and the stochastic nature of load and generation, whilst applying economic and environmental approaches in accordance with the institutional requirements of the European Union and Ukraine. A discrete mathematical model of the energy balance with a system of technical constraints is proposed to justify the parameters of the hybrid system’s components. It is proposed that the parameters of the structural elements of the photovoltaic power station, wind power station, storage battery and cogeneration plant be determined on the basis of actual electricity consumption data from a district heating boiler house. Operating modes of the hybrid power supply system have been established depending on technological requirements and conditions for integration with the centralised electricity grid. The results obtained can be used in the design of hybrid power supply systems for district heating enterprises.