Techno-economic analysis of smart investment strategies for urban housing and real estate


Chen Z., Valeroso E., Sultan M. S., Lui L.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol.134, pp.241-255, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 134
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.04.384
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
  • Page Numbers: pp.241-255
  • Keywords: Carbon emissions, Energy storage, Solar photovoltaic, Techno-economic, Urban apartment
  • Open Archive Collection: Article
  • Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy in urban housing necessitates integrating battery energy storage, hydrogen storage, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This study conducts a techno-economic analysis to optimize microgrid designs, focusing on cost efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Three dispatch strategies—load following, cycle charging, and combination dispatch—are evaluated. Results indicate that a grid-connected PV system with cycle charging achieves the lowest net present cost ($51,809) and energy cost ($0.0171/kWh) but has high carbon emissions (38,226 kg/year). In contrast, a hydrogen-based microgrid reduces emissions by 11.54 % while enhancing energy independence. The findings highlight the trade-offs between cost-effectiveness and sustainability, providing a framework for policymakers and urban planners to design efficient and low-carbon energy solutions. This study offers practical insights into optimizing renewable energy investments for urban real estate development.