Energy Efficiency CentreEnergy Efficiency CentreOther components of integrated resource planning have been investigated, especially technologies for more efficient energy use and possibilities and barriers for their application. One of the detailed studies involving also computer control is the optimization of combined heat and power production plant including a heat accumulator.
The external costs (and benefits) of electricity production in hydro power plants, for example damage (or benefits) for the environment, residents and business in the neighbourhood of such a power plant is researched.
Technological possibilities for CO2 emissions reduction are being analysed for Slovenia, as a basis for the national programme. The greatest possibilities are above all in the field of energy conservation, which is not necessarily accompanied by a decrease of energy services level, i.e. benefits expected from energy. Such measures may have no cost of CO2 reduction, or even a negative cost (profit).
Advanced optimization techniques (linear and dynamic programming) for complex industrial energy systems that typically include cogeneration equipment (for joint production of power and heat) and various energy intensive processes are developed. The work is continued towards consideration of a system for heat accumulation using mixed integer programming. For the needs of heat systems, methods of stochastic processes forecasting have been investigated and applied, namely by a method of time series analysis by Box-Jenkins (ARIMA) approach.
Recently, the amount of works performed within the framework of programs of efficient energy use and renewable sources led by the Ministry of Economic Activities has been increased. The center collaborates in the formation of the governmental energy efficiency strategy, in the field of feasibility studies for combined heat and power production systems, energy audits and seminars for energy managers from energy intensive industrial branches.
Seven new applications have been successfully carried out in industry. These solutions enable connections with existing local networks and big computer systems into a unified information system. The main goal of the systems is to control steam and power production, gas and power demand from the public network and control of steam, gas, power and technological water consumption of large industrial consumers. Due to the introduction of individual techniques of energy management, such as monitoring and targeting, considerable energy and costs savings have been reached.
The center is also starting projects from the field of demand side management.
The aim of the recently ended project entitled Direct Load Control of Large Industrial Consumers financed by the government of the Netherlands represented by NOVEM is to determine functional system characteristics for direct load control and to reduce the peak load of the Slovene power system. That means reduction of needs for electricity import and new capacities.
The center is also involved in energy efficiency promotional programmes in industrial and commercial sectors.
Research projects financed by the Ministry of Science and Technology (titles in Slovene language)
Contact: Prof. Dr. Miha Tom"si"c