Utilizing Flexibility Potentials in Local Energy Systems

In this paper, potentials and possible effects of utilizing flexibility in local energy systems are examined on the basis of a real residential district in Bochum, Germany. The district provides heat pumps, heat storages, battery storages (in combination with a photovoltaic system) and charging points for electric vehicles as possible flexibility options. Based on the installed plant technology and the cross-sectoral energy requirements of the district, various scenarios were developed that differ in terms of possible operation management approaches and flexibility use. These scenarios include a non-managed district operation, a rule-based district operation, and a cross-sectoral optimization of the district energy system with the goal of maximizing the self-consumption of renewable energy. For more detailed considerations, additional sub-scenarios were defined which, for example, represent the possibility of a grid-compatible operation. To compare the different scenarios, the district energy system was implemented in a model and simulated for the representative period of one calendar year. The simulations were evaluated by using several key performance indicators (KPIs), such as CO2 reduction, renewable energy self-consumption ratio, or renewable energy self-supply ratio.