Framework for the integration of active tertiary prosumers into a smart distribution grid

This paper describes the approach taken in the collaborative project INERTIA [1] with the objective of introducing the Internet of Things-Services principles for enabling Demand Response (DR) operations. Nowadays, the continuously increasing presence of distributed intermittent energy sources along with inelasticity of demand pose significant challenges and undoubtedly have considerably negative impact on the overall operation of the electricity grid. Furthermore, the energy market is considered as inherently incomplete and imperfectly competitive mainly due to the characteristics and special nature of the commodity of power. Demand Side Management (DSM) as a supportive mechanism for grid operation and market participation, has the unleashed capacity to overcome some of the major barriers of controlling supply and demand becoming a powerful tool at the hands of Distribution Grid Operators as well as other market stakeholders. The proposed approach uses advanced and innovative Distributed Energy Resources (DER) models, occupancy prediction mechanisms, users' preferences extraction algorithms and DER monitoring and control technologies for making it possible to provide high volumes of demand flexibility without impacting on final user's comfort and DER utility levels. The demand flexibility made available at building level is then aggregated in order to offer significant flexibility volumes with high reliability degree to Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and other energy stakeholders.