A framework to evaluate multi-use flexibility concepts simultaneously in a co-simulation environment and a cyber-physical laboratory

In this paper, we present an approach for a framework to test multi-use concepts for the coordination of flexibility resources in distribution grids. The framework allows testing in a large scale co-simulation environment, but also our cyber-physical smart grid laboratory. At the core of the proposed framework is the newly proposed design of a Virtual Edge Device (VED) to control either real or simulated flexibility resources. The VED is also provided for the interchangeable use of simulated and physical components with the same coordination logic. To tackle the questions of cyber resilience and cybersecurity, not only the energy system is taken into account but also the underlying Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Therefore, the ICT components are emulated in the co-simulation and mapped by corresponding components in the laboratory. We validate the environment by simulating and analysing three different use-cases, comprising local congestion management and battery dispatch optimisation. Our tests prove that our laboratory is suitable for a future application of the analysis and development of multi-use flexibility concepts.