Work

Flexibility by Design: A Methodological Approach to Assessing Electrical Asset Potential Inspired by Smart Readiness Concepts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing integration of distributed energy resources and electrification of end users is driving the need for greater system flexibility in modern power grids. Various electrical assets can contribute to this flexibility, either inherently or through external control mechanisms, although their suitability varies even within the same category of assets. This paper presents a novel methodological approach to assess the flexibility potential of electrical assets based on their inherent technical characteristics and their intended installation context. Inspired by the principles of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) for buildings, the proposed method employs a scoring system to evaluate a set of key functionalities that determine an asset’s readiness to contribute to system flexibility, then through a weighted sum a final index is obtained. These scores are combined through a weighted aggregation to produce a single, easy-to-interpret index that synthesizes multiple characteristics, enabling comparisons across different technologies. Unlike the SRI, this approach is not focused on certification but rather on providing a decision-support tool for end-users. The applicability of the method is demonstrated through a case study evaluating a photovoltaic inverter, followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the weighting scheme. Results indicate that the proposed index provides a transparent and replicable means of quantifying flexibility potential, supporting more informed planning and investment decisions.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152111334

Authors: Luis Carlos Parada, Gregorio Fernández, Rafael Camarero Rodríguez, Blanca Martínez, Nikolas Spiliopoulos, Paula Hernamperez

Institutions: CIRCE - Centro Tecnológico, CARTIF

Language: English

Topic: Smart Grid Energy Management

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896