On the value of device flexibility in smart grid applications

Abstract

Demand-side management and demand response are proposed as a means to solve different objectives in smart grids, such as, e.g., maximizing self-consumption of a house or peak shaving. Crucial components in these approaches are load shiftable/steerable devices, so-called smart appliances. Although several studies already use these devices and determine how to use their flexibility, their impact on — or value for — the overall system is not studied. This paper provides a methodology to calculate the value of flexibility of smart devices. The methodology makes it possible to quantitatively compare the impact of these devices for different kinds of objectives. The developed methodology is applied in a case study to compare the flexibility of white goods, home batteries and electric vehicles. The results indicate among others that smart white goods may not always be that important for smart grids.