Optimization Research on a Novel Community Integrated Energy System Based on Solar Energy Utilization and Energy Storage

Integrated energy systems (IESs) are essential for enabling the energy transition in communities and reducing CO2 emissions. This paper proposes a novel IES that combines photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal energy with coordinated electrical and thermal energy storage to meet the energy demands of residential communities. The system also incorporates hydrogen production for fuel cell vehicles. A dual-objective optimization model was developed, minimizing both economic costs and CO2 emissions. The system’s performance was evaluated using data from a case study in Dalian, which showed that the IES successfully reduced the annual total cost and CO2 emissions compared to conventional systems. The key findings showed that PV electrolysis for hydrogen production provides both economic and environmental advantages. The system’s integration of solar thermal energy offers higher economic efficiency, while PV energy supplies enhance coordination. Additionally, carbon trading prices effectively reduce emissions, but excessively high prices do not always lead to better emission outcomes. This study introduces a comprehensive, multi-energy approach for optimizing the energy supply, contributing novel insights to the field of sustainable energy systems.