Implementation of operational flexibility for the control of the smart grid: evaluation of an exemplary residential district in Germany

The growing complexity of smart grids, driven by distributed energy systems and electric vehicles, poses challenges in managing power flow and operational boundaries. This study explores using storage systems as a flexibility tool in smart grids. A case study in northern Germany models a smart grid with energy generation, use, and storage components. A co-simulation framework integrates these models with Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), balancing energy across buildings. A central control agent monitors grid voltage, while flexibility agents optimize operational plans by communicating with the HEMS. The study evaluates scenarios with and without central and flexibility optimisation. The inclusion of central control and flexibility optimization reduced the amount of voltage range violation incidents by 81%, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness. Moreover, the mean value of state of charge of the batteries is reduced from 42% to 30%, indicating a reduced storage demand. Future work will expand the control system to address line loading limitations and explore electric vehicle charging strategies. The integration of other storage systems, such as thermal storage, could further optimise energy management in the district, leading to a comprehensive multi-domain flexibility control approach.