Modelling and valuing multi-energy flexibility from community energy systems

Demand side response is seen as an important resource to provide flexibility into to the grid. This paper presents a smart community optimization model, implemented using a mixed integer linear programming technique, which is based upon physical models of the building, battery energy storage, thermal energy storage, and energy conversion devices. Various sources of flexibility, including battery energy storage, thermal energy storage, and building thermal storage, have been assessed applying different objectives. Analyses of community operational behavior and of annual cash flows are carried out to understand the benefit and feasibility of different flexibility options under both cost minimization and electricity self-sufficiency objectives. Among all the flexibility options, battery energy storage can bring the greatest operational revenue to the community, under a cost minimization objective. In contrast, electricity self-sufficiency might not be attractive to consumers and communities who would like to ‘leave the grid’, as it may lead to significant revenue losses.