The role of electricity in energy efficiency power conversion: a MarkAl application for energy planning

Energy saving technologies based on the use of electricity are in many cases an alternative to thermal energy from fuels. They are lighting, electrical drives, heat pumps, microwave, induction heating, mechanical recompression of vapor, distributed control system in industry and buildings, energy storage, renewable energy sources, electric and hybrid vehicles, smart grid applications. A wider use of these technologies is supported by the continuous increase of utility plant efficiency up to 60% combined with climate change awareness. The paper reports the results of research in the field of the MarkAl application to the energy planning of an urban and industrial area located in Europe by using optimum techniques in the management of complex systems, such as cogeneration combined with cooling and heating systems and fuel cells in industry and in buildings. Research is going on aiming to extend the MarkAl application to different combinations of electrical technologies.