An Algorithm for Optimal Sizing of BESS in Smart Islands Energy Communities: the Case of Pantelleria

Abstract

Energy Communities (EC) are a promising solution to reduce both the carbon footprint and the impact of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) on the distribution grid. Based on a simple energy sharing principle, EC can be decisive in the next future energy transition of some problematic territories, like small islands not supplied by the main power grid. By integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), it is possible to improve the EC performance. However, due to the still high BESSs unit prices, the goal of this work is to find the optimal size of BESSs, under various conditions, which combines the need to maximize shared energy and the possible revenue of EC actors. To set this multi-objective problem, in this paper is presented a procedural algorithm, numerically implemented in MS Excel environment and optimized through GRG nonlinear algorithm of MS Excel Solver. The algorithm is applied to the case study of Pantelleria island.