Assessment of utilization of combined heat and power systems to provide grid flexibility alongside variable renewable energy systems. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takeshita, Takuma; Aki, Hirohisa; Kawajiri, Kotaro; Ishida, Masayoshi
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 214(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Grid flexibility -- Distributed energy resources -- Combined heat and power -- Time-of-use rate -- Variable renewable energy -- Renewable energy systems; ACH Absorption chiller-heater -- CHP Combined heat and power system -- ESS Energy storage system -- GE Gas engine -- GW Gas water heater -- HP Heat pump -- PV Photovoltaic generation -- RES Renewable energy system -- ROR Run-of-River -- TOU Time-of-use -- VRE Variable renewable energy -- WF Wind farms; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.118951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: Power grids require more flexibility to adapt to the integration of variable renewable energy sources, which naturally produce inconsistent supply. Distributed energy resources installed at consumer sites can provide flexibility from the demand side. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of providing grid flexibility using combined heat and power (CHP) systems. A model that reproduces the operation of power sources was used to analyze the predicted lack of grid flexibility in the power system for the year 2030, and the model was used for the greater Tokyo area. We then scrutinized flexibility provision by the CHPs of four types of business facilities by tracking their operational changes in response to electricity time-of-use rates that reflect flexibility insufficiency. The nationwide potential of flexibility supply was calculated from the simulation result as well as nationwide CHP penetration data. The results show that the introduction of time-of-use rates as an economic incentive leads to a sizeable reduction in consumers' energy costs, and the provision of flexibility depends substantially on the facilities' heat-to-electricity ratios. We concluded that the aggregation of CHPs and sundry components, along with integrated working of various types of facilities, offers the most effective grid flexibility support. Highlights: Potential of grid flexibility supply by CHPs at business facilities analyzed. Flexibility provision depends substantially on heat-to-electricity ratios of demand. Introduction of time-of-use rates reduces consumers' energy costs. CHPs and other DERs are used integrally to supply positive and negative flexibility. Aggregation of different kinds of facilities supports grid flexibility effectively.