Distribution of Flexibility Assets in Electricity Grids
master Level graduation assignment
Grid congestion is becoming an ever greater problem in the Netherlands. The integration of intermittent Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as well as the electrification of mobility (e.g., EVs) and heating (e.g., Heat Pumps) requires that the electricity network’s ability to match energy demand and consumption, its flexibility, needs to be increased. Currently, Distributed System Operators (DSOs) are in the process of increasing the flexibility by adding cables and replacing transformers (grid reinforcement), whereby it is estimated that 1/3rd of streets need to be opened in order to add the cable infrastructure to handle the increasing peak power demands. However, other flexibility asset solutions exist, such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Additionally, loads such as EVs can be intelligently controlled, for example to reduce electricity peaks.
Although it is clear that the electricity grid must be reinforced, it is not necessarily clear if it needs to be reinforced as much as DSOs are planning to, when considering other flexibility options. By adding ESSs and smart control to microgrids, the amount of grid reinforcement could be reduced. Furthermore, it is not clear what the impact is of centralized storage (i.e., a larger storage device is integrated in the network close to where a large amount of production occurs, e.g., a windfarm) vs decentralized storage (e.g., a neighbourhood battery) in respect to the grid reinforcement required, while also considering financial and environmental factors. By better matching the ESS location to the structure of the grid, the amount of grid reinforcement could be further reduced.
assignemnt
The assignment is to investigate the effects of adding decentralized and/or centralized storage at different locations in an electricity network with respect to grid reinforcement. A broader evaluation of the feasible solutions should be made, and if time permits optimization of the network (minimize both cost and environmental impact) should be investigated.
For more information, contact the supervisors: Edmund Schaefer or Gerwin Hoogsteen:
