A Case Study of System Integrated with Photovoltaic, Energy Storage, Direct Current, and Flexibility in Zero-Carbon Campuses Energy Planning

Systems integrated with photovoltaic, energy storage, direct current, and flexibility (PEDF), a critical pathway for achieving zero-carbon development. Zero-carbon campuses could be realized by implementing PEDF systems. However, practical challenges such as low campus energy demand during holidays, low subsidized educational electricity price, and difficulties in fully utilizing renewable energy have obscured the economic benefits of PEDF technology, hindering its large-scale deployment potentials. This paper addresses these issues through a case study of a demonstration campus in Shenzhen. Starting with an estimation of energy demands such as electricity, gas, and hot water, we proposed a PEDF technical solution based on a flexible DC micro-grid. The system's economic benefits and other potential benefits were evaluated, demonstrating that the operational revenue over the project lifespan is sufficient to cover both construction and operational costs, with an internal compound rate of return of 6.0% over 20 years.