Assessment of the simultaneity factor between PV production and electric demand in a real scholar canteen belonging to a REC through TRNSYS simulations

Solutions conceived to mitigate the mismatching between electricity production and demand in buildings are decisive in maximizing the benefits of Renewable Energy Communities. In this context, Building Energy Simulation (BES) tools can be used for accurately assessing energy flows considering variable conditions, especially if equipped with electric generation systems for heating and cooling. In this paper, a PV generator for a scholastic canteen belonging to a municipal REC, in which the main electric load is represented by a VRF heat pump, is evaluated by TRNSYS simulation to optimize the self-consumption share. A monitoring campaign targeted at the collection of real electrical profiles and climatic data was carried out to validate the building-plant model. A simultaneity factor (SF) between electric demand and production was introduced to evaluate actual self-consumption and electric surplus to share within the REC. Results showed the decisive role of Demand Side Management, whereas monocrystalline cells perform better than other technologies avoiding installing the maximum installable PV peak power. For the considered case study, despite the building being occupied occasionally, an SF of about 75% can be achieved.