DFlex: Distribution system in 2050

The role of flexibility and increasing digitalization


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Date

2024-01

Publication Type

Report

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

The overall objective of this study is to quantify the CHF value of flexibility of distributed energy resources (DER) such as electrified demand (e.g. heat pump, EV charging), solar PV generation and distributed battery energy storage systems (BESS) at low voltage level to minimize or defer infrastructure investments in distribution grids while considering the impact of the technical capability and availability (reliability) of such resources, including the reliability of the ICT infrastructure. In order to achieve the objective, a framework is designed containing (i) data preparation including importing grid topology (urban and rural) from a commercial software, and creating/estimating reasonable synthetic demand, generation and storage profiles for each proliferation pathway, (ii) flexibility analysis by means of successive power flows in selected time resolution, including identification of temporal and spatial flexibility needs, and approximating the costs of meaningful flexibility providers, and (iii) demonstrating the potential of flexibility utilization for asset investment deferral, by comparing traditional approach, relying on worst case simultaneity factors. In this study central optimization of all resources for low voltage grid operation by means of optimal power flow is not used. It is assumed that the DER-owners (i.e., end customers) control their own resources according to their local objectives. The flexibility utilization is primarily based on shifting or reducing the demand locally either through established remuneration or bonus programs or through bilateral long-term contracts, which are not within the scope of this study. The implemented local strategies of delaying EV charging and shifting HP operation help reducing the simultaneity factors of these types, while the implemented local strategy for delaying BESS charging and discharging helps reducing the peak excess solar generation.

Publication status

published

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Book title

Journal / series

Volume

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Publisher

ETH Zurich, Research Center for Energy Networks

Event

Edition / version

V1.0

Methods

Software

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Subject

Flexibility; Flexibility needs of grids; Flexibility potentials; Flexibility analysis; Distribution grid operation; Distribution grid planning

Organisational unit

02279 - Forschungsstelle Energienetze-ETH Zürich / Research Center for Energy Networks

Notes

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