Med-EcoSuRe proposed a challenge, as part of the Challenges module of the ERASMUS MUNDUS DENSYS Master’s program (Decentralized Intelligent Energy Systems), focusing on energy management in decentralized energy systems, including energy network design, demand-side management, and optimization.

The proposed challenge was selected, following an evaluation process, to be undertaken by students from the University of Lorraine as part of the Master’s program.

The proposed challenge, as part of Med-EcoSuRe, combines:

1. Numerical modeling of a smart microgrid platform installed at the National School of Engineering, as a pilot initiative within the framework of Med-EcoSuRe. The model will allow the analysis of new renewable energy technologies and new concepts such as energy management systems, blockchain technology and virtual power plants (VPP). A technical-economic study will be carried out to assess the energy performance and economic feasibility of microgrid solutions in the Tunisian context, adopting different scenarios (weather conditions, demand profiles, configurations, etc.).

Following the modeling of the smart microgrid platform, various configurations will be evaluated, using CSP (concentrated solar power), wind, battery, and diesel generator technologies. The integration of hybrid systems can also be evaluated (e.g., a combination of photovoltaic and wind power).

In addition, the environmental and economic impacts of the solutions will be assessed. Two main optimization parameters are selected: the cost per kWh produced and the CO2 emissions per kWh produced.

2. A survey, based on a literature review and an interview process, will explore the applications and concepts of energy trading in smart microgrids in the Mediterranean (Tunisia, Italy, Spain, Palestine). The following topics will be addressed:

– Key technologies: renewable energies, energy storage, electric vehicles, communication systems.
– Energy trading mechanisms.
– Energy trading markets in the Mediterranean.
– Factors influencing market dynamics.
– Energy market design and management.

A group of five students has been selected to take on the proposed challenge, starting in February 2021. They will be supervised by the Med-EcoSuRe coordination team from MEDREC (Mediterranean Renewable Energy Center), experts from Lightency and Gamco Energy (suppliers of the Smart Micro Grid platform installed at ENIT), as well as professors from ENIT (National School of Engineering of Tunis), the University of Lorraine, and ESADE (Barcelona Business School).