Research on quantitative evaluation and optimal allocation of electricity system flexibility

Ze Qi, Sen Guo and Huiru Zhao

Energy, 2025, vol. 320, issue C

Abstract: Accurately assessing electricity system flexibility requirements and optimally allocating flexibility resources are critical for facilitating renewable energy integration. This study proposes multi-dimensional quantitative indexes evaluating both flexibility supply and demand characteristics. An integrated optimization model is developed to coordinate the deployment of different flexible resources including electricity line capacity expansion (addition), thermal power flexibility retrofit and energy storage, with scenario tree analysis addressing operational uncertainties. Time-sequential production simulation with 15-min resolution is employed, which can enable granular electricity system flexibility evaluation. Key findings reveal: 1) the evaluation indexes can effectively characterize node/system-level upward/downward flexibility gap, net demand for flexibility capacity, and shortage probabilities; 2) the thermal power flexibility retrofit and electricity line capacity expansion (addition) demonstrate greater cost-effectiveness, while energy storage systems retain advantages in operational flexibility provision; and 3) strategically calibrated demand response pricing balances user incentives with system costs. The methodology provides electricity system planners with a comprehensive toolkit for quantifying flexibility needs and implementing cost-effective resource allocation strategies.

Keywords: Electricity system flexibility; Flexibility capacity evaluation; Flexibility resources allocation; Time-series production simulation; Scene tree (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:320:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225010850

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135443

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