Development of a framework for activation of aggregator led flexibility

This paper presents a novel framework architecture for an online, real¿time flexibility as¿ sessment and activation platform targeted at unlocking the flexibility potential of commercial build¿ ings and smaller industrial sites, thereby enabling greater levels of renewable grid integration. Re¿ newable integration targets in Europe of up to 40% of power generation from renewable sources by 2030 and over 90% by 2050 aim to decarbonize the electrical grid and increase electrification of transport, industry, and buildings. As renewable integration targets increase, participation in flexi¿ bility programs will be required from a much greater range of buildings and sites to balance grids hosting high levels of renewable generation. In this paper, an online implementation of a standard¿ ized flexibility assessment methodology, previously developed for offline contract negotiations be¿ tween stakeholders, is modified to automate the assessment. The automated assessment is then linked to an aggregator¿based multi¿building or site optimization stage, enabling increased partici¿ pation of multiple buildings and sites. To implement the assessment, models for individual flexible systems were reviewed, selected, and adapted, including physics¿based, data¿driven, and grey¿box models. A review of optimization for flexibility found mixed¿integer linear program This research was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 project ELSA (Energy Local Storage Advanced system), grant number 646125. Funding was also provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), grant number 400013504. peer-reviewed