Integrating Distribution Grid Characteristics in Multi-Energy System Optimization Modeling

Current advances in the energy transition in Europe are challenging the existing energy infrastructure on distribution and transmission levels. In modeling approaches for large-scale energy systems, the distribution level is considered aggregated, trying to capture flexibility potentials from prosumer perspectives and demand-side management by electric vehicles (EV). However, this neglects grid congestions between transmission and distribution level, limiting the available flexibility potential. This can lead to inefficiencies in expansion and investment decisions and thus reduces overall public welfare. Therefore, integrated distribution and transmission infrastructure planning is desirable in prospected future energy system modeling. While modeling approaches for both system layers exist, integrated planning is hampered by the resulting problem size. Therefore suitable aggregation methods for the distribution level must be examined. Our method proposes to aggregate active distribution grids on their operational limits for a systemic planning approach that remains tractable but allows the further analysis of interactions between upstream and downstream systems. Using this developed TSO/DSO-link, we investigate several scenarios to demonstrate the impact on system design and overall system costs.