Impact of levels of modeling details in energy system sizing optimization: A case-study

Future local energy systems are evolving towards becoming more distributed and exhibiting greater synergies between energy vectors. Sizing and design optimization models are becoming increasingly complex, incorporating uncertainty, multiple objectives, and more precise system simulations. The concept of the level of modeling detail is examined, highlighting how a case study can support the selection of an appropriate level of detail. The modeling of control strategies should be considered an important aspect of sizing optimization models. While energy systems should integrate smart control strategies, optimization models often assume a perfectly anticipative control horizon. However, in practice, control strategies like Model Predictive Control have only limited knowledge of future conditions. Although operational simulation models already incorporate this level of detail, a case-study indicates that it can impact sizing decisions for future local energy systems. • Influence of level of modeling details in sizing distributed multi-energy systems. • Investigation on three levels of modeling details on the control strategy. • Comparison of objectives and optimums with a reference model. • Case study on a thermal/electric multi-energy system at district level.