Perspectives for the Decarbonization of a Mountain Hut in the Trentino Region

Abstract-Among the many infrastructures transitioning in recent years toward more sustainable energy paradigms, Mountain Huts (MHs) deserve particular attention due to their location in fragile environments and frequent isolation from the main power system. As a result, their operation must rely solely on local electrical production. For this purpose, Diesel Generators (DGs) are currently their main or unique energy source, with a negative economic and environmental impact. In addition, especially in the Italian Alpine region, MHs are expected to experience a future increase in load consumption, due to their growing touristic popularity. A recent trend among visitors is to reach MHs by Electric Bicycles (EBs), which may require local recharging, thus further contributing to increasing the MH energy needs. This paper optimizes the size of a pool of renewable generators and energy storage systems, alongside the traditional DG, to supply the power required by a MH. Moreover, the effect of the presence of EBs is evaluated both as a challenge due to load increase, but also as a potential source of income and technical opportunity to improve energy management, via bidirectional battery charging. The results based on real load data from an Alpine hut show that the use of only DG has a cost more than four times higher than the proposed optimal solution. Additionally, the foreseen presence of EBs could generate an additional income, further reducing the total operational cost. Finally, the proposed EB recharging policy enables a further small economic benefit.