A Surrogate Modeling Approach for Aggregated Flexibility Envelopes in Transmission–Distribution Coordination: A Case Study on Resilience

Marco Rossi (), Andrea Pitto, Emanuele Ciapessoni and Giacomo Viganò
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Marco Rossi: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Andrea Pitto: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Emanuele Ciapessoni: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy
Giacomo Viganò: Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE s.p.a.), Via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milano, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-35

Abstract: The role of distributed energy resources in distribution networks is evolving to support system operation, facilitated by their participation in local flexibility markets. Future scenarios envision a significant share of low-power resources providing ancillary services to efficiently manage network congestions, offering a competitive alternative to conventional grid reinforcement. Additionally, the interaction between distribution and transmission systems enables the provision of flexibility services at higher voltage levels for various applications. In such cases, the aggregated flexibility of low-power resources is typically represented as a capability envelope at the interface between the distribution and transmission network, constructed by accounting for distribution grid constraints and subsequently communicated to the transmission system operator. This paper revisits this concept and introduces a novel approach for envelope construction. The proposed method is based on a surrogate model composed of a limited set of standard power flow components—loads, generators, and storage units—enhancing the integration of distribution network flexibility into transmission-level optimization frameworks. Notably, this advantage can potentially be achieved without significant modifications to the optimization tools currently available to grid operators. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through a case study in which the adoption of distribution network surrogate models within a coordinated framework between transmission and distribution operators enables the provision of ancillary services for transmission resilience support. This results in improved resilience indicators and lower control action costs compared to conventional shedding schemes.

Keywords: surrogate model; resilience; TSO-DSO coordination; distribution network flexibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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