Abstract

This article presents a literature review on the most relevant quality parameters for hosting capacity in the Nordic context. A distribution grid from Norway is presented in detail to be established as a test bench for further studies. The grid covers different voltage levels, from 47 to 0.4 kV.
A hosting capacity analysis is performed on the proposed grid. The solar PV hosting capacity of the proposed grid has been estimated for a PV penetration of about 160% when voltage limits are considered. It was determined that the transformer and cable ratings are the main concerns in determining the hosting capacity, rather than the voltage deviations. This is in line with the findings of the literature review. We argue that this is the case for most grids in the Nordic.

Abstract

Sweden has a low carbon emissions electricity production. However, peak electricity consumption challenges climate change mitigation and grid resilience. Energy communities could function as a framework to organize peak electricity power reduction. This paper addresses the dynamics of adding electricity demands and then capping the combined peak. This paper explores the number of apartments required to coordinate and how group size affects the electricity demand reduction across the population. A household electricity demand dataset of 558 apartments was applied to explore these questions in the Swedish context. The results show that at least 62 apartments are required to be grouped to make an effective reduction of the total peak. This paper demonstrates that efforts to reduce peak electrical power consumption in residential areas should be coordinated with several households to be effective.

Abstract

The urgency of meeting 2030 climate goals has encouraged housing companies in Sweden, as one of the energy and carbon intensive sectors, to seek effective methods for analyzing and taking action on building retrofits. A key challenge in this process is the need for reliable and efficient tools to estimate the impact of energy conservation measures (ECMs), which are essential for informed renovation planning. Although various tools exist, many rely on simplified models, and there is a lack of expertise in their use. Dynamic simulation tools suffer from limited adaptability to large scale applications. These challenges have made it difficult for housing companies to implement ECMs effectively. This study benchmarks a simple template-based model used by Svenska Bostäder (SvB), __publicly owned rental buildings in Stockholm, Sweden__ against a detailed dynamic simulation called massive area Urban Building Energy Simulation (MUBES) by comparing their Thermal Energy Demand Intensity (TEDI) savings and simulation performance from applying three classical ECMs, namely triple-glazed window insulation, façade insulation, and heat recovery (HR). The results demonstrate that, although the static tool enables very fast estimations, it systematically overestimates energy savings across all ECMs, whereas the calibrated and validated dynamic simulations provide more consistent and moderate estimates of retrofit impacts. The calibration of MUBES was conducted manually and then validated against another dynamic simulation tool called City Energy Analyst (CEA).

Abstract

Healthcare facilities are among the most energy-intensive buildings, with water heating systems accounting for a significant portion of total energy consumption. Conventional electric storage tank water heaters operate inefficiently, leading to excessive energy use, frequent switching, and high peak-period demand. This study proposes an optimized energy management strategy integrating waste heat recovery and a solar-assisted heat pump to enhance system efficiency and reduce peak electricity consumption. A case study was conducted in a high-capacity healthcare facility, where baseline and optimally controlled scenarios were analyzed for both summer and winter conditions. The results indicate that the optimized control strategy successfully shifted heating loads to off-peak periods, minimized reliance on electric resistive heating, and maintained stable water temperature profiles across all tariff periods. The integration of waste heat recovery and solar-assisted heat pump significantly improved operational efficiency, demonstrating the potential for intelligent energy management solutions in large-scale healthcare water heating applications. Future work should explore real-time adaptive control mechanisms and experimental validation through pilot implementations to further enhance system adaptability and performance.

Abstract

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the large-scale retirement of batteries has introduced multiple environmental risks and challenges to industrial sustainability. Smart circular business models (SCBMs) utilizing 10R circular strategies (i.e., Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle, and Recover) present a promising solution. However, the success of implementing such strategies, policies and regulations is considered the core support factor.
This study combines a review of regulatory frameworks with semi-structured interviews in the Swedish EV battery ecosystem to explore the key challenges in implementing the 10R strategies under the Battery regulation. Finally, it identified four interrelated pillars that shaped battery circularity: (1) policies and regulations, (2) digital technologies, (3) business models and economics, and (4) organizational and behavioral management. These pillars illustrate how various dimensions intersect to influence the implementation of 10R strategies for EV batteries.
This study contributes to both theory and practice by offering a conceptual policy pathway for translating the 10R strategies to actionable strategies. It provides guidance for Europe policymakers and industry actors to build a digitally empowered, regulations-supported, and standardized circular battery ecosystem.

Abstract

The growing share of renewables in the power system has increased the risk of supply and demand imbalances, leading to more frequent grid frequency deviations. To manage this, flexible resources are needed to help close this gap. Batteries have already proven to be a mature technology for energy arbitrage and are financially rewarded for providing reserves that support grid balancing. At the same time, the rising penetration of renewables into the power system has reinforced the link between heat and electricity sectors. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) sits at the intersection of these two systems and plays a key role in supporting this interaction. However, these two technologies operate differently, and their joint potential remains underexplored. This paper presents a mixed-integer linear optimization (MILP) model that maximizes revenue from multi-market participation under current market rules. Two case studies of different system configurations are compared. The results highlight the significance of high-value frequency markets and complementary roles of CHP and batteries in market participation.

Abstract

This research investigates the feasibility of achieving electricity supply self-sufficiency for manufacturing companies through the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage solutions. The article uses a static energy balance model and optimization procedures to assess two case studies of small- and medium-sized metalworking companies in northeastern Italy. The following critical ideas are addressed: the viability of PV-based self-sufficiency, the influence of demand-side management on system performance, and the cost-effectiveness and carbon footprint of self-sufficient PV installations compared to traditional energy supplies.

Abstract

The rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) presents an imminent challenge leading to the management of retired lithium-ion batteries. Second-life battery (SLB) solutions reusing EV batteries in stationary storage applications have gained substantial attention due to their potential environmental and economic benefits. However, the successful development and implementation of SLB in a specific context depend heavily on meeting preconditions across technical, operational, and business domains. This study systematically explores these preconditions through a synthesis of academic literature complemented by semi-structured interviews with companies in the EV battery ecosystem. In total, the study identifies seven preconditions for development and seven preconditions for implementation, providing a structured understanding of the requirements across both phases. Findings highlight the necessity of early diagnostics, safe disassembly, robust performance evaluation, and comprehensive system integration strategies. The study concludes with a discussion on the pressing need for harmonized procedures, enhanced monitoring frameworks, and market aligned business models to unlock the potential of SLB solutions within a circular economy.

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the technical potential of using Zeolite as a thermochemical energy storage in a distributed district heating system. Different storage sizes were simulated and combined with an existing local pellets boiler at a medium sized school building as a case study. A test rig was built to monitor how the Zeolite was charged through desorption where heat was added and then discharged when vapour was added to the Zeolite. The storage sizes were assessed in various scenarios. A seasonal storage unit sized to cover the challenging low-load thermal demand during summer was reasonably sized and weighted. The seasonal storage can also provide heat for almost a week during winter out of a resilience perspective.

Abstract

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics analysis to quantify the influence of wind speed on the microclimate and aerodynamic performance of vertical bifacial photovoltaic arrays within an agrivoltaic system. The simulations are conducted using the experimental facility in Kärrbo Prästgård in Sweden (59.5545° N, 16.7625° E), composed of three rows of fixed, vertical bifacial photovoltaic modules. A series of numerical simulations were performed for four wind profiles with reference velocity ranging from 1 m/s to 15 m/s. The boundary conditions for ambient temperature, wind velocity profile (logarithmic inlet via user-defined function), and incident solar irradiance refer to June 23, 2022. The standard k-ε turbulence model was adopted to resolve turbulent atmospheric flow, while radiative heat transfer was captured using the discrete ordinates radiation model. Simulated panel surface temperatures were rigorously validated against published field measurements. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of aerodynamic forces on wind speed, with higher wind velocities significantly enhancing both convective heat transfer and mechanical loading on the PV structures. Specifically, the panel temperature decreases by 42% as the reference wind speed increases from 1 m/s to 15 m/s, while the wind load intensifies by a factor of 191. These findings underscore the critical influence of wind-induced effects on the thermo-structural performance of agrivoltaic systems and highlight the importance of integrated CFD-based assessments for their design and resilience optimization.