FlexNetHassfurt

Utilizing Flexibility Through Dynamic Grid Charges: A Case Study of Stadtwerks Haßfurt

FlexNetHassfurt

Background

To implement the energy transition as cost-efficiently and promptly as possible, grid operators are increasingly required to identify and utilise flexibility options in order to minimise the need for conventional grid expansion. Current concepts for utilising flexibility options, for example as part of the Federal Network Agency's determination procedure in accordance with Section § 14a EnWG, are generally based on a direct control option by the grid operator. In accordance with Section§ 13 (1) EnWG, grid operators are obliged to prioritise market-based measures in order to prevent potential threats or disruptions to grid security and reliability, including as a result of grid congestion. Additionally, Section § 14 c EnWG stipulates the transparent, market-based and non-discriminatory procurement of flexibility services. One potential market-based measure is the implementation of dynamic, grid state-dependent grid charges.

Project proposal

As part of the FlexNetHassfurt project, a comprehensive approach to designing dynamic grid tariffs is being developed to encourage consumers to adopt more flexible energy consumption patterns through targeted price signals. As the reaction behaviour of consumers to price signals cannot be clearly predicted, a probability-based model is being developed to derive secured and unsecured flexibility shares. Another key aspect is analysing the interactions between dynamic grid charges and dynamic electricity prices in order to assess their influence on the effectiveness and availability of flexibility options.

In addition, a method for incorporating various flexibility options into grid planning is being developed, and its practical applicability will be assessed and evaluated. To complement this, a stochastic optimization model is being developed for the scheduling of flexibility options, which enables the cost-optimised use of these resources.

ITo ensure that the developed concepts can be implemented and tested in practice, the use of intelligent control algorithms is required on the consumer side, which can automatically regulate end devices such as heat pumps or storage systems based on dynamic price signals. For this purpose, an end-to-end signal chain is to be developed, ranging from price signal generation at the grid operator through communication with the customer to an automated application for residential and industrial customers. This signalling chain will be technically implemented as part of a field test and the use of dynamic grid charges will be evaluated in terms of its usefulness for the grid.

Another project focus is the further development of coordinated processes between grid operators at different voltage levels in order to enable the efficient and economically viable use of flexibility options across all grid levels.

Finally, the legal and regulatory framework conditions will also be analyzed. The aim is to develop concrete proposals for further developing the regulatory framework in order to promote the use of flexible grid solutions in the long term.

Tasks of OTH Regensburg

OTH Regensburg aims to design, implement and test a methodology for dynamic grid charges in the medium and low-voltage grid of Stadtwerk Haßfurt. The aim is to generate flexibility for both residential customers and industrial companies and to effectively incorporate and evaluate this flexibility in grid planning.

The focus is on the development of a concept for dynamic grid charges, which is intended to promote demand-oriented, grid-friendly behaviour on the part of grid customers. To this end, correlation analyses between market situations and grid loads are being conducted and economic reference values for various grid expansion situations are determined. This is intended to enable an assessment of the economic efficiency of dynamic grid tariffs compared to traditional grid expansion measures. Based on the design of the dynamic grid tariffs, a method is to be developed that derives flexibility from the price signal and divides it into a secured share—which can be planned for grid planning and operations—and a non-secured share, for example for operational optimizations. The aim is to map and integrate dynamic grid charges together with other flexibility options and aproaches as measures for congestion management in grid planning. To identify potential savings and determine an economically efficient strategy for the use of flexibility, a cost-benefit analysis must be conducted. In this process, the costs of dynamic grid tariffs are compared with the expenses of alternative flexibility options (e.g., redispatch) as well as investments in grid reinforcement or expansion.

A field test is carried out to assess the feasibility and quantification of customer reactions to dynamic grid charges. The concept for deriving dynamic grid tariffs is to be implemented among participating residential and industrial customers in order to analyze changes in consumption and feed-in behavior as well as their impact on grid load. In addition, the generation of flexibility is to be investigated and evaluated using simulations, even with modified characteristics of the dynamic grid tariffs.

To ensure that flexibility resources from upstream and downstream grid operators are not used in a counterproductive manner and, where possible, are even optimally allocated for grid congestion management at all voltage levels, a procedure must be developed that enables efficient communication and coordination when flexibility is required. This procedure must include precise and consistent framework conditions that ensure the coordinated use of flexibility. This ensures that flexibility measures are optimally coordinated to support grid stability and avoid potential conflicts between the participating grid operators.involved.