Agent-Based Modelling of Urban District Energy System Decarbonisation—A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

There is an increased interest in the district-scale energy transition within interdisciplinary research community. Agent-based modelling presents a suitable approach to address variety of questions related to policies, technologies, processes, and the different stakeholder roles that can foster such transition. However, it is a largely complex and versatile methodology which hinders its broader uptake by researchers as well as improved results. This state-of-the-art review focuses on the application of agent-based modelling for exploring policy interventions that facilitate the decarbonisation (i.e., energy transition) of districts and neighbourhoods while considering stakeholders’ social characteristics and interactions. We systematically select and analyse peer-reviewed literature and discuss the key modelling aspects, such as model purpose, agents and decision-making logic, spatial and temporal aspects, and empirical grounding. The analysis reveals that the most established agent-based models’ focus on innovation diffusion (e.g., adoption of solar panels) and dissemination of energy-saving behaviour among a group of buildings in urban areas. We see a considerable gap in exploring the decisions and interactions of agents other than residential households, such as commercial and even industrial energy consumers (and prosumers). Moreover, measures such as building retrofits and conversion to district energy systems involve many stakeholders and complex interactions between them that up to now have hardly been represented in the agent-based modelling environment. Hence, this work contributes to better understanding and further improving the research on transition towards decarbonised society.

Zero Energy Districts

“…Active strategies imply the implementation of energy systems, energy optimization, operation, production, distribution storage of energy, and others. These issues are studied in the works of Akhatova et al (2022) -Clear definition corresponding to socioeconomic realities of the Global South incorporated into public policy.…”

Distrito de balanço energético nulo: evolução dos elementos conceituais

“…Entre as estratégias ativas destacam-se os estudos do impacto técnico-econômico, modelagens dos sistemas de produção e distribuição de energia renovável, gestão e armazenamento de energia dos recursos renováveis. Em relação aos aspectos técnicos de engenharia dos Distritos de Balanço Energético Nulo (Zero-Energy Districts) analisam-se sistemas que envolvem diferentes fontes de energia [18] -Água Manutenção, usos de aparelhos de irrigação; descarbonização e aumento de uso de energia elétrica.…”

Heating/Cooling Fresh Air Using Hot/Cold Exhaust Air of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Systems

“…The actual global shift in energy usage nowadays is towards a decrease in fuel consumption, thereby reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions. This can be achieved by energy management and renewable energy [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In particular, heat recovery represents a key aspect in the notable growth of energy management efforts [7][8][9][10][11].…”