Reynir Atlason

The use of system dynamics for EROI simulation

Reynir Smari Atlason

University of Southern Denmark Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense resa@iti.sdu.dk

EROI studies should essentially follow the same methodology to allow for comparability. In 2011 a proposed standard for boundaries was published by Murphy et al. However, the transparency, or the lack thereof, makes it difficult to allow studies to be compared. Researchers could disclose datasets along with publications where inputs and outputs from energy systems are shown, but that is seldom or ever the case. Doing so would allow other researchers to see if energy systems or studies are actually comparable and if inputs, outputs and assumptions are the same. In this study, I demonstrate how to construct a systems dynamics model to represent a geothermal power plant and calculate the EROI3,i. The benefits of such models are their simplicity, and simulation power. The system simulated is adapted from Atlason et al. (2013) where the EROI for the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant was calculated. The systems dynamics model essentially provides other researchers with a clear demonstration of inputs, outputs and assumptions used in the calculations. I propose, that EROI studies are supplemented with such models for clarity.