End users flexibility potential estimation under differing prosumers’ characteristics and constraints

The flexibility requirements for the grid are expected to increase with the increased share of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) and the increased electrification of the consumer space. Flexibility provision from end-users is expected to play a key role in relieving congested grid conditions and helping balance the fluctuations in VRES outputs, thus complementing other solutions such as storage and controllable forms of generation. The estimation of the flexibility potential of end-users is of crucial importance in planning and operational decisions to maintain the reliable operation of the grid. An accurate flexibility potential calculation requires not only including the technical constraints of the flexibility assets, but also the behavioural constraints imposed by the users’ behaviour and preferences as well as the manufacturer’s recommended usage. This paper focuses on estimating the impact that such constraints can have on the overall flexibility potential of residential Electric Vehicles (EVs). To this end, a mathematical residential flexibility model is first developed, in which a set of key user parameters and constraints are included, which have a direct impact on the availability of the EV and its flexibility potential – combining driving requirements, differing charging options (e.g., at home vs. at work), preference on state of charge status/ranges, among others. To quantify the impact of these constraints, a case study is developed based on residential profiles from Flanders (Belgium).