Optimal allocation of energy storage and conversion technologies in an urban distributed energy system

Abstract

The main challenges in the existing distributed electrical energy systems when facing intensified renewable generation shares are considered to be for grid components (power lines and transformers) and the allowable voltage bandwidth (the voltage has to remain within the allowable limits). The expansion of grid upgrades or curtailments of the power production are common measures to avoid overloading of grid components.This paper addresses another possible solution to avoid exceeding the electrical grid limitations: the utilization of decentralized storage and flexibility of conversion technologies for the decentralized distributed coupling of existing energy supply infrastructures (electric-, gas-, and domestic heating grid). Therefore, a linear optimization model is developed to solve the multi-domain allocation and positioning problem for different energy storage and conversion technologies in an existing urban energy system considering households and industrial prosumers.The results show, how an urban energy system with a high share of renewable generation can relieve the higher-level electrical grid by ensuring a more decentralized generation-load balance. The optimal allocation of multi-domain distributed storage and conversion technologies is investigated for different stakeholder viewpoints and show benefits regarding the energy import/export balance and CO2 emissions.