Multi-criteria Operation Strategies of Power-to-Heat-Systems in Virtual Power Plants with a High Penetration of Renewable Energies

The integration of renewable energy into the existing energy supply system is a core challenge regarding the successful realization of the German “Energiewende”. One concept to integrate decentralized regenerative power generators is a virtual power plant that operates many small facilities as one power plant. Essential parts of the concept are controllable loads and generators to reduce the impact of volatile energy resource – like wind power stations – on operational planning. Power-to-Heat-Systems (P2H) are one possible technology that can be used to a limited extent as a controllable load. The P2H-system as a component of virtual power plants is capable of supplying flexibility due to various possible operation strategies. This flexibility can either be used for ancillary services (primary, secondary and tertiary ancillary services), to provide schedule energy or for balancing group management. This paper presents a modeling approach for P2H systems as a component of virtual power plants with a high share of renewable energies. The operation strategies are evaluated with respect to economic and technical aspects and uncertainties in generation and load. The operation strategies of P2H systems are shown with regard to market integration of renewable energies within a virtual power plant and the provision of ancillary services.