Flexibility From Distributed Multienergy Systems

Abstract

Ñ Multi-Energy Systems (MES), in which multiple energy vectors are integrated and optimally operated, are key assets in low-carbon energy systems. Multi-energy interactions of distributed energy resources via different energy networks generate the so-called distributed MES (DMES). While it is now well recognised that DMES can provide power system flexibility by shifting across different energy vectors, a systematic discussion of the main features of such flexibility is needed. This paper presents a comprehensive overview for DMES modelling and characterization for flexibility applications. The concept of Òmulti-energy nodeÓ is introduced to extend the power node model, used for electrical flexibility, to the multi-energy case. A general definition of DMES flexibility is given, and a general mathematical and graphical modelling framework, based on multi-dimensional maps, is formulated to describe the operational characteristics of individual MES and aggregate DMES, including the role of multi-energy networks in enabling or constraining flexibility. Several tutorial examples are finally presented with illustrative case studies on current and future DMES practical applications.

Integrated Electricity– Heat–Gas Systems: Techno–Economic Modeling, Optimization, and Application to Multienergy Districts

“…Similarly, such virtual storage would also impact electricity consumption or network demand for other energy vectors if heat was supplied with one or more EHP, CHP unit, or other technologies. This highlights how in an MES context deploying flexibility available in one network may actually affect all involved energy vectors and networks, as widely discussed in [9].…”

“…Some examples of use cases include reducing energy costs through the use of the cheapest combinations of energy vectors at different times [2], storing surplus renewables as heat/hydrogen [5]- [7], and switching to different vectors as a means to provide energy and network services [8]. However, modeling and assessing such flexibility is a grand challenge, especially when looking at distributed MES [9] that require integration of already complex models of different distributed energy resources (DERs), energy vectors and networks, and other key assets such as buildings [10], [11].…”

Effect of P2G on Flexibility in Integrated Power-Natural Gas-Heating Energy Systems with Gas Storage

“…Clegg S. and et al presented a novel integrated electricity-heat-gas transmission network model that considers electrical and gas network flows coupled with heating sector [26,27], quantified flexibility of gas network and discussed effect of gas network constraints on electricity system operation [4]. Chicco G. and et al provided a comprehensive overview of technical flexibility assessment of multi-energy systems and distributed multi-energy systems, with a focus on their potential to provide support to a low-carbon grid [28]. These studies described flexibility of power systems, gas network and multi-energy systems and provided good enlightenment for further research on flexibility assessment of multi-energy systems.…”

Modelling and Control of a Grid-Connected RES-Hydrogen Hybrid Microgrid

“…In [3], the flexibility is guaranteed by coordinating several Peltier Effect regrigerator [4]. In [5] the flexibility is provided by a compression-based refrigerator, whereas in [6] the exploitation of distributed multi-energy system is suggested as form of flexibility for the electrical grid. In this context, Power-to-X (P2X) technologies, such as Power-to-Gas (P2G), Power-to-Fuels (P2F), and Power-to-Heat (P2H), are gaining a leading role for providing flexibility to the electricity grid, because (i) they are able to exploit the existing infrastructure (such as the gas network and district heating) and (ii) allow decarbonising other sectors using the produced commodities (i.e., gas, liquids and heat) starting from an excess of VRES [7].…”