Sustainable coastal energy development: Integrated modeling of renewable energy sources for optimal economic and environmental performance

This study presents an integrated modeling framework for the design and optimization of a sustainable energy hub tailored to coastal urban areas, using a case study. The model addresses critical energy demands-electricity, heating, cooling, and water supply-while integrating renewable energy sources (RESs) such as wind turbines, photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, and microturbines. A novel two-level optimization approach is adopted, combining "design" and "environmental design" levels to evaluate both technical performance and environmental impacts. The water cycle algorithm (WCA) is employed to enhance optimization efficiency, ensuring precise utilization of RESs while minimizing costs and emissions. Results demonstrate the system's capability to dynamically adapt to environmental conditions, such as wind speed and solar radiation, optimizing energy production across seasons. The optimized energy hub achieves a total energy generation of 14810 kW for electricity, 25210 kW for heating, and 53748 kW for cooling, with an overall 28 % reduction in operational costs compared to traditional setups. Detailed economic analysis highlights the PV/T system's significant role, constituting nearly 60 % of the initial investment while ensuring sustainable and efficient operation. Moreover, seasonal wind energy potential contributes substantially to electricity supply during peak consumption periods. This work underscores the feasibility and benefits of integrating RESs in energy hubs for coastal regions. By providing a robust framework for energy planning, it offers a blueprint for sustainable urban development with significant implications for reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency.