A Co-simulation Framework Design to Assess the Effectiveness of Flexibility Activation Mechanisms on Congestion in Dutch Distribution Networks

Due to the increasing penetration of renewable-based distributed energy resources (DERs), the risks of congestion problems have been increasing in the Dutch distribution system. Traditionally, grid reinforcements were applied to prevent congestion, but due to shortages of technicians and due to long procedures, the use of flexibility from household DERs could be a more suitable solution in certain cases in the future. However, due to duality between markets, the activation of the available flexibility by a Distribution System Operator (DSO) to mitigate congestion problems is expected to be lower than the amount which is technically available. This paper presents a high-level co-simulation framework design for analyzing the effectiveness of different (combinations of) flexibility activation mechanisms invoked by DSOs on congestion in their distribution grids. The proposed framework will be worked out in more detail in future work to give insight in which combinations of flexibility activation mechanisms are most effective in mitigating congestion in various typical Dutch neighborhoods.