Exergoeconomics as a Cost-Accounting Method in Thermal Grids with the Presence of Renewable Energy Producers

Thermal grids are efficient, reliable, and sustainable technologies for satisfying the thermal demands of buildings. The capability to operate at a low temperature allows not only integration heat produced by renewable energy sources but also storage surplus electricity from grid via “power heat” technologies. Besides, in future, consumers expected behave increasingly as “prosumers”, supplying some periods plants on site. In this scenario, it is important propose method cost allocation among producers connected grid. regard, paper proposes Exergoeconomics possible tool rational assignment. To show capabilities method, operating scenarios compared cluster five buildings tertiary sector interconnected Based exergoeconomic indicators, such exergy unit costs, insights into formation process consumed users provided. Sensitivity analyses design variables performed. Results that presence distributed producers, could be approximately 33% lower than case centralized production, due amount irreversibility generated. Capital investment accounts 20–28% cost.