This project deals with developing a predictive numerical model to analyze cost effective strategies regarding the optimum use of renewable resources for district energy applications.
Postdoctoral fellow: Dr. Ali Ashtari, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Manitoba
Lead faculty member: Dr. Eric Bibeau, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Manitoba
Of the total primary energy consumed in Manitoba, 34% is spent on heating with the majority supplied by imported natural gas while Manitoba has considerable solar and biomass resources. Similar to the use of electricity as an energy carrier to distribute renewable power, investigating the use of water as an energy carrier to distribute renewable heat and cooling is of interest to Manitoba Hydro.
Optimum use of renewable resources for district energy applications requires developing a predictive numerical model to analyze cost effective strategies. Consequently, Manitoba Hydro will be able to make more informed decision on how to better use imported natural gas and local renewable energy resources, and make a significant contribution towards developing a strategy on how to derive more than 50% of the energy in Manitoba from renewable sources. This research supports the triple bottom line corporate goals of Manitoba Hydro: economic, social and environmental.