Towards a more efficient congestion management for the transformation of electric distribution grids with increasing share of sector-coupled components

The increasing acceleration of the energy transition is leading to major changes in the entire energy system. Not only are conventional energy generation plants increasingly being replaced by decentralized renewable generators with the aim of decarbonization, but the heating and mobility sectors are also being electrified at a rapid pace. A large share of this transformation is taking place in the distribution grids, especially in low-voltage grids, which are likely to be exposed to grid congestions as a result. In Germany the legislation has decided to support distribution grid operators by the adjustment of the German Energy Act. Controllable consumption units, for example electric heat pumps and non-public loading infrastructure of electric vehicles, have to adjust their consumption in grid congestion situations according to the requirements. This will solve some of the problem situations, but further aids are needed. In this paper two different grid congestion management strategies based on the current legal framework are investigated. The default strategy is handling the congestions by means of current- and voltage-based congestion indicators, the new strategy uses an approach based on the cable temperature. The results show, that even in disadvantageous installation conditions the transient thermal behaviour offers flexibility for congestion management.