PhD Thesis - Energy Systems Research Unit - University of Strathclyde

Figure 8.2: Overall Yearly Heat Demand Profile
8.2 Supply Options
There is a large available wind power resource in Scotland, particularly on
islands and in coastal areas. The available solar power resource is limited by the
space and insolation available, and the conversion efficiency of currently
available photovoltaic panels. Therefore solar technologies are unlikely to
provide a significant enough electrical contribution to justify the costs involved.
The use of wave power is another important consideration on an island;
however, most existing schemes would be too large for the size of community
being considered here. As the islands’ demands are relatively small, the use of
battery storage may be appropriate if excesses and deficits of electricity can be
kept to a minimum. Again, the demands being considered are likely to be too
small to allow the use of pumped storage as a form of electricity storage.
Electrical heat production and storage (in hot water tanks or electric storage
heaters) may be used to meet the heat demand and provide a useful outlet for
excess electricity. Also, electric vehicles, charged at off-peak hours, may be
used to satisfy the transportation demand. Another use for excess electricity
may be the production of hydrogen via electrolysis of water, which may then be
253