Improved Assessment of the Flexibility Range of Distribution Grids Using Linear Optimization

Abstract

Increasing use of flexible resources in electrical grids is forcing grid operators to intensify their cooperation to maintain grid stability. The contribution of this paper is the improvement of a method that allows the representation of the aggregated flexibility of distribution grids. The proposed model allows grid operators to show the status of their grid without needing to release sensitive grid data. To increase the precision of the model, linear models representing typical flexibility providers were developed. Then, an adaptation of the aggregation algorithm is introduced, based on linear optimization. The developed linear model has the objective to improve the computing time required by preceding nonlinear algorithms, while maintaining accuracy. The proposed model is validated using two real radial MV distribution grids in Germany. Results of the performed simulations show a considerable reduction of the required processing time, in grids with large amounts of flexible assets.