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Energies
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Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities
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Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (4 December 2020) | Viewed by 39566

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Daniel Pérez González

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chair of R & D Group: Application of Information Technology for Competitiveness and Innovation, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
Interests: smart cities; business value of IT; management of technology and innovation; management information systems; ICT in economic and social sciences

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor is inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Energy Economics of Smart Cities”.

There are multiple definitions of a smart city. We can say that all of them co-exist so that a smart city is a city that uses technological advances (such as IoT, big data, cloud computing, AI etc.) to transform itself into an innovative ecosystem, concerned with achieving the well being of its citizens, with special attention to sustainable development (Díaz-Díaz, Muñoz, & Pérez-González, 2017a). The above is a pending challenge and to achieve that it requires four fundamental and synergistic elements in a smart city: the technological, the economic, the management of energy resources, that allow sustainable development, and the perception and social concern about these issues (Pérez- González, & Díaz Díaz, 2015; Díaz-Díaz, Muñoz, & Pérez-González, 2017b). In this sense, topics of interest of this special issue are works on economic analysis of energy in smart cities, the application of technologies oriented to both the efficient use and the management of energy resources, the development of new business models and the energy management, the awareness and perception of citizens about sustainable development, and as well as interdisciplinary technological-economic, social and governmental works that analyze the energy issue in smart cities. We accept conceptual, empirical and case studies. Works that are potentially transferrable to different cities are particularly welcome Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  • Energy economics
  • Cost-effective energy policies in smart cities
  • Economic and sustainable development of smart cities
  • Innovation Energy Measuring
  • Benchmarking of energies management in smart cities
  • Business models in smart cities
  • Best practice in energies management in smart cities
  • ICT, smart grid, intelligent infrastructure Cost-benefit analysis
  • Information systems and energy management
  • IoT, Big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence applications and case studies about energy in smart cities
  • Awareness and perception of citizens about energy and sustainable development

Prof. Dr. Daniel Pérez González
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Energy economics
  • Smart cities
  • Applications of IoT, Big data, IA, Cloud computing in smart cities
  • Energies and sustainability development in smart cities
  • New business models and innovation management of IT and energies

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

37 pages, 5973 KiB  
Article
Aggregation of Households in Community Energy Systems: An Analysis from Actors’ and Market Perspectives
by Seyedfarzad Sarfarazi, Marc Deissenroth-Uhrig and Valentin Bertsch
Energies 2020, 13(19), 5154; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13195154 - 03 Oct 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2918
Abstract
In decentralized energy systems, electricity generated and flexibility offered by households can be organized in the form of community energy systems. Business models, which enable this aggregation at the community level, will impact on the involved actors and the electricity market. For the [...] Read more.
In decentralized energy systems, electricity generated and flexibility offered by households can be organized in the form of community energy systems. Business models, which enable this aggregation at the community level, will impact on the involved actors and the electricity market. For the case of Germany, in this paper different aggregation scenarios are analyzed from the perspective of actors and the market. The main components in these scenarios are the Community Energy Storage (CES) technology, the electricity tariff structure, and the aggregation goal. For this evaluation, a bottom-up community energy system model is presented, in which the households and retailer are the key actors. In our model, we distinguish between the households with inflexible electricity load and the flexible households that own a heat pump or Photovoltaic (PV) storage systems. By using a game-theoretic approach and modeling the interaction between the retailer and households as a Stackelberg game, a community real-time pricing structure is derived. To find the solution of the modeled Stackelberg game, a genetic algorithm is implemented. To analyze the impact of the aggregation scenarios on the electricity market, a “Market Alignment Indicator” is proposed. The results show that under the considered regulatory framework, the deployment of a CES can increase the retailer’s operational profits while improving the alignment of the community energy system with the signals from the electricity market. Depending on the aggregation goal of the retailer, the implementation of community real-time pricing could lead to a similar impact. Moreover, such a tariff structure can lead to financial benefits for flexible households. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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16 pages, 4328 KiB  
Article
Decarbonisation Using Hybrid Energy Solution: Case Study of Zagazig, Egypt
by Mohammad Akrami, Samuel J. Gilbert, Mahdieh Dibaj, Akbar A. Javadi, Raziyeh Farmani, Alaa H. Salah, Hassan E. S. Fath and Abdelazim Negm
Energies 2020, 13(18), 4680; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13184680 - 08 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2828
Abstract
In this study, an analysis is carried out to determine the optimal application of multiple renewable energy resources, namely wind and solar, to provide electricity requirements for green smart cities and environments. This was done to determine the potential of renewable energy to [...] Read more.
In this study, an analysis is carried out to determine the optimal application of multiple renewable energy resources, namely wind and solar, to provide electricity requirements for green smart cities and environments. This was done to determine the potential of renewable energy to provide clean, economically viable energy for the case study of Zagazig, located at 30°34′ N 31°30′ E in the North East of Egypt. The relevant data surrounding the production of energy were collected, including the meteorological data from NASA, and specifications regarding renewable resources including solar panels, wind turbines, and storage batteries. Then a hybrid model was constructed consisting of Photovoltaics (PV) panels, wind turbines, a converter, and storage batteries. Once the model was constructed, meteorological data were added alongside average daily demand and cost of electricity per kWh. The optimal solution for Zagazig consisted of 181,000 kW of solar panels feeding directly into the grid. This system had the lowest Net Present Cost (NPC) of the simulations run of US$1,361,029,000 and a net reduction of 156,355 tonnes of CO2 per year. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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41 pages, 8509 KiB  
Article
SMART Computational Solutions for the Optimization of Selected Technology Processes as an Innovation and Progress in Improving Energy Efficiency of Smart Cities—A Case Study
by Krzysztof Gaska and Agnieszka Generowicz
Energies 2020, 13(13), 3338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13133338 - 30 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2799
Abstract
The paper presents advanced computational solutions for selected sectors in the context of the optimization of technology processes as an innovation and progress in improving energy efficiency of smart cities. The main emphasis was placed on the sectors of critical urban infrastructure, including [...] Read more.
The paper presents advanced computational solutions for selected sectors in the context of the optimization of technology processes as an innovation and progress in improving energy efficiency of smart cities. The main emphasis was placed on the sectors of critical urban infrastructure, including in particular the use of algorithmic models based on artificial intelligence implemented in supervisory control systems (SCADA-type, including Virtual SCADA) of technological processes involving the sewage treatment systems (including in particular wastewater treatment systems) and waste management systems. The novelty of the presented solution involves the use of predictive diagnostic tools, based on multi-threaded polymorphic models supporting decision making processes during the control of a complex technological process and objects of distributed network systems (smart water grid, smart sewage system, smart waste management system) and solving problems of optimal control for smart dynamic objects with logical representation of knowledge about the process, the control object and the control itself, for which the learning process consists of successive validation and updating of knowledge and the use of the results of this updating to make control decisions. The advantage of the proposed solution in relation to the existing ones lies in the use of advanced models of predictive diagnostics, validation and reconstruction of data, implemented in functional tools, allowing the stabilization of the work of technological objects through the use of FTC technology (fault tolerant control) and soft sensors, predictive measurement path diagnostics (sensors, transducers), validation and reconstruction of measurement data from sensors in the measuring paths in real time. The dedicated tools (Intelligent Real Time Diagnostic System − iRTDS) built into the system of a hierarchical, multi-threaded control optimizing system of SCADA system allow to obtain advanced diagnostics of technological processes in real time using HPC technology. In effect of the application of the proprietary iRTDS tool, we obtain a significant rise of energy efficiency of technological processes in key sectors of the economy, which in global terms, e.g., urban agglomeration, increases the economic efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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23 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Smart and Age-Friendly Communities in Poland. An Analysis of Institutional and Individual Conditions for a New Concept of Smart Development of Ageing Communities
by Aldona Podgórniak-Krzykacz, Justyna Przywojska and Justyna Wiktorowicz
Energies 2020, 13(9), 2268; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13092268 - 04 May 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3696
Abstract
In the face of the dynamic ageing of local communities, smart cities and smart villages programs should seek to ensure meeting the needs of the elderly and promoting solutions tailored to their computer literacy, digital skills, and perception capabilities. In this context we [...] Read more.
In the face of the dynamic ageing of local communities, smart cities and smart villages programs should seek to ensure meeting the needs of the elderly and promoting solutions tailored to their computer literacy, digital skills, and perception capabilities. In this context we propose to approach local smart and age-friendly communities initiatives in a way that would provide responses to two contemporary megatrends: digitalization and demographic transition. We assumed that the deployment of such initiatives in local planning and governance depends on at least two conditions: demand for smart everyday products and services represented by older adults and the perspective of the local decision-makers. The paper aims to examine whether the smart city/smart village idea focused on meeting the needs of the elderly and seeking to shape age-friendly local communities and the environment could be implemented in the municipalities in Poland. The analysis of the elderly Poles’ capabilities to absorb the ICT solutions demonstrated that the smart and age-friendly community approach may face implementation difficulties, especially in the oldest groups of the Polish rural population. Results of the quantitative study conducted in 1236 municipalities revealed that local authorities perceive local policy goals, such as pursuing smart and age-friendly development as low priority ones. A citizen-centered approach of village heads and mayors to the local policy is critical for integrating these two priorities of being smart and age-friendly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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18 pages, 3004 KiB  
Article
The Digital Transformation of the Retail Electricity Market in Spain
by Julián Chaparro-Peláez, Emiliano Acquila-Natale, Ángel Hernández-García and Santiago Iglesias-Pradas
Energies 2020, 13(8), 2085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13082085 - 21 Apr 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4687
Abstract
The deregulation of the electricity markets in the European Union and the transformation caused by digital technologies and customer-centric strategies have altered the industry ecosystem, forcing companies to adapt to the new scenario. This research study aims to give a global overview of [...] Read more.
The deregulation of the electricity markets in the European Union and the transformation caused by digital technologies and customer-centric strategies have altered the industry ecosystem, forcing companies to adapt to the new scenario. This research study aims to give a global overview of the digital transformation and channel integration of free-market electricity retailers in Spain from a consumer’s perspective. The analysis includes all free-market electricity retailers that operate at the national scale, explores the level of digital transformation and channel integration of these companies based on a structured set of indicators, and measures them using the mystery shopper technique. The results show important differences between leading retailers and the rest of companies, evidence an important lag of the sector when compared to other retail markets and an overall lack of multichannel and omnichannel strategies, show a strong effort of retailers in online billing and self-service customer data management, and reveal shortcomings in the availability of communication channels with customers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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24 pages, 2546 KiB  
Article
Foresight as a Tool for the Planning and Implementation of Visions for Smart City Development
by Danuta Szpilko
Energies 2020, 13(7), 1782; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en13071782 - 07 Apr 2020
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5570
Abstract
Global change, including population growth, economic development and climate change constitute urgent challenges for the smart cities of the 21st century. Cities need to effectively manage their development and meet challenges that have a significant impact on their economic activity, as well as [...] Read more.
Global change, including population growth, economic development and climate change constitute urgent challenges for the smart cities of the 21st century. Cities need to effectively manage their development and meet challenges that have a significant impact on their economic activity, as well as health and quality of life for their citizens. In the context of continuous change, city decision-makers are constantly looking for new smart tools to tackle it. This article addresses this gap, indicating foresight as an effective tool that anticipates the future of a smart city. Its aim is to develop a methodology for planning and implementing a vision of smart city development based on foresight research. The proposed methodology consists of five stages and was developed with the use of methodology for designing hybrid systems. It is an organised, transparent and flexible process which can facilitate the development of sustainable and smart future visions of smart city development by virtue of the involvement, knowledge and experience of a large number of urban stakeholders at all stages of its creation. The article discusses in detail the operationalisation of each stage of the methodology in which the following main methods were used: megatrend analysis, factors analysis: social (S), technological (T), economic (E), ecological (E), political (P), relating to values (V) and legal (L) (STEEPVL), structural analysis, Delphi, creative visioning, scenarios and identifying actions related to the development of a smart city, divided into four categories: new, so far not undertaken (N); implemented so far, to be continued (C); redundant, to be discontinued (R); actions that have been implemented in the past and to be restored (R) (NCRR). The summary enumerates the benefits that foresight implementation can bring to the smart city. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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17 pages, 1069 KiB  
Article
The Smart City Business Model Canvas—A Smart City Business Modeling Framework and Practical Tool
by Paraskevi Giourka, Mark W. J. L. Sanders, Komninos Angelakoglou, Dionysis Pramangioulis, Nikos Nikolopoulos, Dimitrios Rakopoulos, Athanasios Tryferidis and Dimitrios Tzovaras
Energies 2019, 12(24), 4798; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en12244798 - 16 Dec 2019
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 16137
Abstract
Cities are challenged with increasing population growth and need to implement smart solutions to become more resilient to economic, environmental, and social challenges posed by ongoing urbanization. This study reviewed business model development frameworks and developed a practical tool to help cities assess [...] Read more.
Cities are challenged with increasing population growth and need to implement smart solutions to become more resilient to economic, environmental, and social challenges posed by ongoing urbanization. This study reviewed business model development frameworks and developed a practical tool to help cities assess business models by adapting components of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and adding new ones that operationalize the smart city dimensions. The Smart City BMC (SC-BMC) proposed provides a practical framework that supports developing and communicating a more holistic and integrated view of a smart city business model. It also supports creatively innovating toward more sustainable value creation. As a framework, the SC-BMC bridges sustainable value creation for business model development and smart city innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economics and Innovation of Smart Cities)
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