A multi-layer agent-based model for the analysis of energy distribution networks in urban areas

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-layer agent-based model to simulate and analyze urban energy distribution networks, focusing on renewable energy integration and exchange strategies within city environments.

Contribution

It presents a novel multi-layer agent-based model implemented in NetLogo for simulating urban energy distribution, considering renewable systems and exchange distances.

Findings

Optimal strategies depend on renewable installer percentages.

Energy exchange efficiency varies with distance.

Model provides insights for urban energy network design.

Abstract

Significant research contributions and Directives approach the issue of the insertion of renewable-based energy systems on urban territory in order to face with the growing energy needs of citizens. The introduction of such systems gives raise to installers to both satisfy their energy demands and distribute eventual energy excesses to close neighbours. This paper presents a multi-layer agent-based computational model that simulates multiple event of the network of the energy distribution occurring within urban areas. The model runs on the NetLogo platform and aims at elaborating the most suitable strategy when dealing with the design of a network of energy distribution. Experimental data are discussed on the basis of two main scenarios within an operating period of 24 hours. Scenarios consider both the variation of the percentages of installers of renewable-based energy systems and the distance along which energy exchanges occur.