Influence of optimizing prosumers on rural distribution networks

A plethora of factors is currently leading to significant changes in both the planning and operation of distribution networks and systems, such as single-family houses and commercial and industrial buildings. These factors include the increasing share of decentralized energy generation and storage systems in distribution networks, the integration of electric vehicles, the coupling of electrical and thermal systems, as well as the increasing and easy use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The primary actors in this situation, formerly known as consumers of energy and power, have now become prosumers (producers and consumers), who feed energy back into the network at specific times. Hybrid energy systems combine cross-sectoral energy sources and supply systems as well as energy distribution and storage to form one compact system. The aim is to substitute fossil energy sources with primarily renewably generated electricity, other renewable energy sources, and sustainable ways of energy usage. Moreover, the use of new meter functions and services enables market-dependent dynamic or special consumer- and prosumer-oriented tariffs. A simulation model has been developed to model, simulate, and analyze the behavior and steady-state energy flows of such hybrid energy systems. By using linear optimization algorithms, the optimal use of decentralized energy generation and storage systems is determined in the example of a single-family house. The simulation model considers different optimization objectives, desired energy services, external boundary conditions, individual technical components, as well as selected energy tariffs. Furthermore, the simulation model is used to analyze how the high penetration of optimizing prosumers influences rural distribution networks.