Electric–Thermal Sector Coupling with Hybrid Renewables and Storage for Sustainable Rural Energy Systems

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Master of Science(MSc) of Electrical engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshahr, Iran

2 Assistant professor of Electrical engineering, faculty, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshahr, Iran

Abstract

With the increasing importance of electrical energy in daily life, power outages pose serious challenges. Globally, efforts are made to ensure access to electricity for all, especially in rural areas that are often remote. Similar difficulties exist in meeting thermal loads, often addressed through natural gas networks—solutions that are costly and logistically complex. This paper investigates the strategic integration of hybrid renewable energy systems and storage technologies to enable sector coupling, thereby allowing coordinated management of both electrical and thermal loads in rural regions. By utilizing sector coupling, the proposed approach improves energy efficiency, decreases fossil fuel dependence, and supports sustainable development. Thermal load control is employed as an interface between electrical sources and thermal demand, increasing the share of renewables. The study begins by analyzing various off-grid hybrid energy system models and then evaluates the impact of factors such as natural gas prices, system reliability, costs, and emissions. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on declining battery investment costs is conducted to assess their influence on system economics and renewable penetration. A comparative benchmark using a natural gas generator with heat recovery is also examined to highlight the techno-economic advantages of the proposed system configuration. Results show that deploying off-grid hybrid systems and accepting a degree of reduced reliability can notably increase the contribution of renewables in supplying simultaneous electric and thermal loads. This shift leads to significant reductions in pollutant emissions and fosters sustainable rural development—achieved without the prohibitive expenses tied to expanding electricity and gas infrastructure.

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AUT Journal of Electrical Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 November 2025

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